North Carolina Zoo

Project

The North Carolina Zoo transports visitors using biodiesel produced from its restaurants' waste vegetable oil.

On the Road to Success

Alternative Fuel Technology

• Grant money was used to purchase B100 biodiesel fuel and mix it with diesel to make B20 biodiesel. The biodiesel powers twenty trams and buses that carry visitors around the Zoo as well as equipment used to maintain the park.
  


• B20 is a blended fuel, 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, which can be utilized in any diesel vehicle. Biodiesel fuel is non-toxic and biodegradable, and its use, even in blended form, results in significantly reduced pollutant emissions.

• Colorful graphics in the shape of french fry packs proclaiming that Zoo trams and buses are "fueled by clean burning biodiesel made from vegetable oil" ensure that passengers and the Zoo’s 700,000 annual visitors are aware of the use and benefits of biodiesel.

• With a grant from the Air Quality Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Program, the Zoo partnered with Piedmont Biofuels to construct a mobile biofuel processor in 2005 which produces biodiesel from vegetable oil from the Zoo's five restaurants. The Zoo will produce about 7,500 gallons of B20 each year.

• The Zoo is committed to educating the public about alternative fuels through their GREEN cart, a web page, certified teacher workshops, a TV segment aired on nine stations statewide, high school class projects, and tours. The Zoo has drawn upon their own experience to provide technical assistance to other zoos interested in alternative fuels.

• In 2006, the Zoo saved 2,490 gallons of petroleum diesel.

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