Springboard Biodiesel installs biodiesel systems into schools

Springboard Biodiesel and Pinnacle Capital have launched a new programme to install small-scale biodiesel production facilities at both public and private schools and campuses in the US.

The technology will turn used cooking oil from the kitchens on the site into biodiesel that will be used to fuel school vehicles.

‘Because the cost of making biodiesel in our BioPro systems is less than $1.00/gallon, it's a great way for any school system to bring money back into its budget,’ says Springboard Biodiesel CEO Mark Roberts. ‘We have 59 colleges and universities enthusiastically using our equipment to convert used cooking oil into biodiesel. They are saving money, reducing their carbon footprint and, in many cases, incorporating the system into their sustainability curriculums.’

The technology works by adding used cooking oil to other substances including methanol, lye and sulphuric acid. Electricity is also used to produce the biodiesel and about one litre of used cooking oil produces about one litre of biodiesel.

Currently the systems that will be installed on these campuses can be purchased for between $7,000 and $25,000 (€5,500-€20,000). Roberts tells Biofuels International: ‘The system will make up to 9,000 gallons of biodiesel per year, so this saves about $27,000 a year.  Plus for every gallon of biodiesel used in the place of diesel, the institution reduces its CO₂ emission by over 90% and reduces particulate matter by almost 50%.’