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“Currently I have 161 pieces in our fleet with an additional 10 pieces of snow removal equipment being added this fiscal year,” said Jauron. “I am glad to say that all of my fleet qualifies as alternative fueled vehicles.”

For the past year Dennis Orenchick CGM’s fleet of 166 vehicles at Indiana State University have been using E-10 gasoline. He says the move has saved the university $10,000 - $12,000 in fuel costs as well as the added benefit of cleaner burning. PGMS President Chris Fay says that 33% of his fleet at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) uses alternative fuels.

However, switching to alternative fuels doesn’t just happen overnight and this change doesn’t occur solely because the organization’s grounds manager advises it. The organization’s senior management must embrace the concept for a successful transition.

Often outside groups serve a crucial role in acceptance by management. For example, Gerry Dobbs, CGM of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Ky. says that Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC) came to the Arboretum and gave a presentation concerning the use of alternative fuels.

After convincing management to make this change, KCFC even helped Bernheim receive a one-year grant to try the B-20 blend. This grant offset the extra-added costs of purchasing biodiesel over the purchase of regular diesel fuel. After using biodiesel for one year, Bernheim staff did notice significantly less particulate matter being emitted into the air. Bernheim continues to use biodiesel in its tractors, heavy equipment, and mowers even after the grant monies have been exhausted.

Jauron said that upper management and mechanics at the Reno/Tahoe International Airport were sent to conferences produced by the nation’s top fuel producers which explained the advantages of alternative fuels.

Many times there is little convincing to be done and the decision made by administrators to advance best management practices that are environmentally sound. This is especially true at universities, such as UNCG, which serve as trendsetters identifying cutting edge technology.

However, if you are reading this, don’t go out and make changes right away. There are several potential drawbacks to consider. First and perhaps most pressing is the cost. While organizations using B-20 or above qualify for alternative energy tax credits, such fuel still is priced higher than regular gas or diesel. Such increased costs vary by location. Located in Reno, Jauron said that the additional costs have been five to seven cents a gallon. However, Dwayne D’Ardenne, CGM of the City of Roanoke (Va.) Department of Public Works says that biodiesel is 1.5 times the cost of regular fuel in southwest Virginia and the demand/supply for other alternatives such as ethanol is virtually nonexistent.

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