The Step: Biodiesel program has just begun its second semester at Loyola Chicago. We got off to a great start last semester but we still have a lot of work to do. I thought I would let you know what to be looking for out of the biodiesel program this semester.
We will have our scaled-up reactor running this semester. The new, larger reactor is made of two 100 gallon tanks which will allow us to make up to eighty gallons of biodiesel every week. Biodiesel is a direct replacement for diesel fuel. However, biodiesel is not the answer to global energy concerns. It is a great way to recycle and reduce Loyola’s carbon footprint. Last semester biodiesel students powered two diesel cars with their fuel. This semester the new students are trying to reach out to the community. This year we are looking at the possibility of donating the bio-fuel to heat homes; charging the university’s electric golf carts; or continuing to power diesel cars/trucks on campus.
One of the most exciting aspects of this program is that the direction of the program is determined by the students. Each problem that came along last semester, which was pleasantly often, was brought to the students. The decision on how to use the biodiesel produced this semester, along with some new interesting problems I’m sure, is up to the new biodiesel class.
This is the only class at Loyola that is totally student driven. Last semester I got to pick out my own project. I was a little intimidated by projects such as emissions testing, algae production (to cultivate oils), and developing a working business plan. All of those projects turned out amazingly well and are described on our webpage (www.luc.edu/biodiesel). Luckily for me I could pick out a project that was more suited to me that still contributed a lot to the program. I, along with three other biodiesel students, worked on the communication and marketing project. It was our job to let the world, or at least most of LUC, what we were doing in STEP: Biodiesel. Instead of writing a paper on the theory behind a marketing plan we put ours into action.
By the end of the semester I discovered that writing papers for class is much easier, and actually working toward a common goal in a class is far more satisfying. My group was able to leave behind a webpage, four short documentaries, t-shirts, bumper stickers, a banner, presentation materials, and a comprehensive guide on how we did it all. This is the most exciting program at Loyola…in my eyes at least.
I thought I would leave you with something to think about: biodiesel reduces nearly all forms of air pollution compared to petroleum diesel. In particular, biodiesel reduces toxic contaminants and cancer-causing compounds, along with the soot associated with diesel exhaust.
Pass Gas, Choose Biodiesel!