Innovation and Design 1- Biodiesel for Construction fleet We are seeking approval for an ID Innovation and Design credit for mandating all vehicles and on-site equipment operated during construction to run on B20 Biodiesel fuel instead of diesel. INTENT Reduce air pollution and health impact associated with construction transportation. REQUIREMENTS Project construction vehicles and on-site equipment are required to use B20 as primary fuel source. Supplier transportation vehicles would be required to provide proof of purchase for another trip equal or more in distance. CREDIT DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTALS - Written contract between construction managers and biofuel supplier to maintain provision of Biodiesel B20 storage on site. - Proof of purchase from sub contractors and material suppliers for distance travelled for said project. APPROACH AND IMPLEMENTATION All vehicles built after 1990 have the ability to run B20 without requiring any retrofit to use B20. On site storage of Biodiesel B20 upto 500 gallons will ensure all construction vehicles and on site equipment have direct access for refueling. Sub contractor vehicles need to submit receipts as proof of purchase. All other vehicles arriving at the site without using B20 will be required to purchase B20 for equal or more distance. Local biofuel suppliers have been identified and to be introduced to all subcontractors. A detailed education and training session will be carried out with General Contractor and sub-contractors prior to commencement of the project. Partnership with local groups like Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition, Federal Department of Energy and Clean-Cities will introduce the idea of using bidiesel to the community. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES - 1 unit of energy used to produce biodiesel B100 gives output of 3.24 units of fuel energy, diesel outputs 0.8 fuel energy. - Petroleum based diesel is a non-renewable fuel. - Construction vehicles travel through local communities causing smog and ground level ozone due to the air pollutants and particulate matter emitted. - EPA\'s study carried out in 2002 notes B20 blend of biodiesel vehicles are observed to emit 20% less Hydrocarbons and 12% less Carbon Monoxide (CO), and 12% less Particulate Matter. - Non-road engines are also expected to emit less Particulate Matter (PM) and CO when operated on Biodiesel B20 blend. - Biodiesel is produced from agricultural resources. They are renewable, local and cause less pollution in production and transportation. Purchase and use of Biodiesel supports the local economy and farmers growing the crop. HEALTH ISSUES - As per research carried out by EPA, the impact of biodiesel on total toxics is beneficial, i.e. total toxics are on average reduced when biodiesel is added to conventional diesel fuel. - B20 reduces emission of cancer causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nPAH) as compared to diesel operated engines. - Other chemicals borne off petroleum based diesel like formaldehyde and benzene are absent in Biodiesel.
The applicant is proposing an ID credit for the use of B20 biodiesel fuel for vehicles and on-site equipment operated during construction. Based on the description of utilizing an alternative fuel strategy (such as providing bio-diesel B20 for the various construction-type equipment), this would represent a reasonable innovation credit. However, the credit and documentation would need to support a comprehensive approach and demonstrate significant and measurable environmental benefits. Below is a list of some recommended guidelines that can be used to support the overall strategy\'s benefits. 1.) Identify the proposed innovation credit\'s intent and requirements. Establish the performance threshold above baseline and include the submission requirements and the design approach used to satisfy the requirements. 2.) Quantify the environmental benefits based on recognized scientific data for the fuel type, such as the cited EPA research study. 3.) Establish a baseline of the amount of diesel used (in gallons) during the construction process and compare that to the amount of bio-diesel used in the same time period. 4.) Compare and quantify the environmental benefits, e.g. reduction in various pollutants and gases (CO2, NOx, CO, SOx and particulate matter) of the bio-diesel B20 strategy versus standard fossil based diesel fuel. Applicable Internationally.