Forestry Commission implement Bio–Fuel

The Forestry Commission (FC) has introduced a number of projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through a range of measures which have included the implementation of bio-diesel and alternative road fuels in their fleet of vehicles.

The Commission has considerable experience in the use of bio-diesel in blends from 5% to 100%, and currently operates about 200 vehicles (14% of the fleet) in 13 locations across the UK, on bio diesel. The majority use a 5% blend, but trials are being carried out with blends of 10%, 20%, 25% and 100%. It is also running a trial operating one vehicle on waste cooking oil and has considered the introduction of some bio ethanol fuelled vehicles.

The main barriers to expanding the use of bio-diesel have been supply chain problems associated with obtaining the fuel in outlying rural locations, together with limited capital funding for the introduction of new bulk tanks and infrastructure. In addition, most vehicle manufacturers (with the exception of Citroen and Volkswagen) have been reluctant to give engine warranty when FC wishes to use bio diesel blends stronger than 5%. The measures adopted at the FC, including bio-diesel and wood fuel burning, have brought the obvious benefits of carbon dioxide reduction, and associated reduced energy costs. During 2005/06, FC achieved considerable carbon dioxide reductions associated with road transport (13% England, 14% Scotland and 28% in Wales).