Domestic Fuel

Heating oil is common on the East Coast and so many companies are looking for ways to replace heating oil with alternative sources. Today, METRO Biofuels, based in Brooklyn New York, announced that it is supporting a neighborhood coalition to promote cleaner air quality by using “bioheat” to heat buildings. METRO is the largest independent marketer of bioheat for the New York Metropolitan area, and later this year, plans to open a 110-million-gallon capacity processing facility in Greenpoint, Brooklyn which will create more than 60 green collar jobs and ensure a steady in-city supply of biodiesel for buildings and truck fleets.

The coalition, led by Council Member Jessica Lappin, who represents parts of the Upper East Side, was formed in response to a recent New York City Department of Health air quality survey that listed the neighborhood as having among the City’s worst air quality.

“We got a real wake up call from the Health Department’s report last December,” said Council Member Lappin. “It’s scary. This is what we breathe every day and we need to take some drastic steps soon to improve our air quality. Switching to biodiesel fuel is one way we can start to make a difference right away. We also need to be looking at things like solar power, green roofs, and energy efficient upgrades to further clean our air.”

According to the company, bioheat is a blend of traditional heating oil and biodiesel that is made from a wide variety of vegetable or plant oils including used restaurant grease. Typically blends range from 2 percent to 20 percent biodiesel content. Bioheat typically requires no new infrastructure, is widely available and is affordable, particularly in New York State where an existing tax credit makes the fuel either cost-neutral or less expensive for many customers. Bioheat also improves air quality, reduces carbon emissions and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

“One of the easiest ways to tackle air pollution on the Upper East Side is for landlords to switch from traditional 2, 4 or 6 grade heating oils to bioheat – a cleaner, affordable and readily available alternative fuel,” said Gene V. Pullo, an Upper East Side resident and the President of METRO Biofuels. “METRO has already helped many of our existing customers make the switch to bioheat and we continue to attract new customers who want to green their buildings. On behalf of the METRO family, and my own family, I commend Councilwoman Lappin for her dedication in promoting the use of bioheat on the Upper East Side.”

METRO also announced its latest bioheat conversion, at 308 E79th Street, a 189-unit pre-war co-op that will be switching from traditional 6 oil to a B2 6 oil biodiesel blend. Annually, the switch will displace 1,500 gallons of oil, eliminate 28,000 pounds of carbon and reduce air pollutants like sulfur and particulate matter.