The Vista (Calif.) Unified School District says it is now running its fleet of 53 school buses on low-carbon diesel fuel instead of conventional diesel.
Using Neste MY Renewable Diesel in the buses will help the district cut back significantly on fleet maintenance costs, district Transportation Direct Bill Weisberg says in a news release from Neste.
"When considering our students' health and safety, the local air quality, and the reduction in preventative maintenance costs, this was clearly a win-win solution for our district," Weisberg says.
Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a low-carbon fuel produced from 100 percent renewable and sustainable raw materials, primarily wastes and residues.
It cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent, reduces carbon monoxide by 24 percent and fine particulates by 33 percent. Unlike biodiesel, The fuel is compatible with all diesel engines, Neste says.
The company says renewable diesel contains nearly zero impurities and burns much cleaner than conventional diesel. Petroleum diesel and biodiesel contain aromatics and impurities that can contaminate oil, foul fuel injectors and clog Diesel Particulate Filters filters.
"We should see less residue in our fuel filters and in the Diesel Particulate Filters," says Weisberg. "These filters constantly need attention when using standard CARB (petroleum) diesel. This will save our mechanics time and keep our buses on the road."
Vista Unified is the fourth-largest school district in San Diego County. It has 32 schools and more than 23,000 students.
