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Bristol Tours - - your environmental leader!
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable
resources. Although biodiesel can be processed from used vegetable oil such as that used to
cook french fries, most commercial biodiesel is produced directly from soy plants. Pure biodiesel
contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a
biodiesel blend . Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of
sulfur and aromatics. Bristol Tours converted its entire fleet to biodiesel in 2005 and typically
uses a blend of 20% biodiesel called B20 although blends are higher in summer and lower in
winter to counter the effects of temperature on the consistency of the fuel.
Why use biodiesel?
Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has
lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. Pure biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and
biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as
soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own
economy. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to voluntarily perform EPA Tier I and Tier II testing
to quantify emission characteristics and health effects. That study found that B20 (20% biodiesel
blended with 80% conventional diesel fuel) reduced total hydrocarbons by up to 30%, Carbon
Monoxide up to 20%, and total particulate matter up to 15%.
Why use B20?
One negative characteristic of pure biodiesel (B100) is that it has a higher freezing point or gel
point than petroleum diesel. This is a problem in colder climates like ours in the northeast. B20
has been accepted as the leading standard for gaining environmental benefits while still
delivering reliable performance in cold weather.
Does biodiesel cost more to use?
Yes, the current cost for biodiesel (B20) is about 5-10% higher than ordinary diesel fuel. This
additional cost, however, seems worth the benefits to our customers and our community. Over
time, as usage becomes more widespread, it is expected that the cost and availability of biodiesel
will become more competitive.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable
resources. Although biodiesel can be processed from used vegetable oil such as that used to
cook french fries, most commercial biodiesel is produced directly from soy plants. Pure biodiesel
contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a
biodiesel blend . Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of
sulfur and aromatics. Bristol Tours converted its entire fleet to biodiesel in 2005 and typically
uses a blend of 20% biodiesel called B20 although blends are higher in summer and lower in
winter to counter the effects of temperature on the consistency of the fuel.
Why use biodiesel?
Biodiesel is better for the environment because it is made from renewable resources and has
lower emissions compared to petroleum diesel. Pure biodiesel is less toxic than table salt and
biodegrades as fast as sugar. Since it is made in the USA from renewable resources such as
soybeans, its use decreases our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to our own
economy. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to voluntarily perform EPA Tier I and Tier II testing
to quantify emission characteristics and health effects. That study found that B20 (20% biodiesel
blended with 80% conventional diesel fuel) reduced total hydrocarbons by up to 30%, Carbon
Monoxide up to 20%, and total particulate matter up to 15%.
Why use B20?
One negative characteristic of pure biodiesel (B100) is that it has a higher freezing point or gel
point than petroleum diesel. This is a problem in colder climates like ours in the northeast. B20
has been accepted as the leading standard for gaining environmental benefits while still
delivering reliable performance in cold weather.
Does biodiesel cost more to use?
Yes, the current cost for biodiesel (B20) is about 5-10% higher than ordinary diesel fuel. This
additional cost, however, seems worth the benefits to our customers and our community. Over
time, as usage becomes more widespread, it is expected that the cost and availability of biodiesel
will become more competitive.
