EPA honors Harvard University and Medford, New Jersey for biodiesel leadership

In Washington, the Environmental Protection Agency honored two long-time biodiesel leaders for their outstanding commitment to the environment, which includes a carbon reduction strategy fueled by biodiesel. The EPA recognized Harvard University Fleet Management Division and Medford Township Public Schools in Medford, New Jersey.

Medford’s leadership in the use of biodiesel alone has eliminated 123,376 pounds of smog-forming emissions, 2,408 pounds of diesel particulate matter and reduced its fleet operation costs by over $170,000. In 1997, Medford was the first school district in the country to use biodiesel. Today, it is the nation’s longest continuous user of biodiesel in a student transportation fleet.

In the past year alone, Harvard’s biodiesel use resulted in the following estimated emissions reductions: 15 percent reduction in carbon dioxide; 12 percent reduction in carbon monoxide; 20 percent reduction in both hydrocarbon and sulfur dioxide and 12 percent reduction in particulate matter.