Over the next 12 months, Environment Canterbury will be trialling four Metro buses on a biodiesel blend.

During peak times, the buses will operate on Metro bus routes. During off-peak times they will be used as part of Environment Canterbury's transport education programmes with schools and the wider community.

The biodiesel used in this trial will initially be a B5 (5%) blend and both plant oil and animal fat biodiesel will be used. This blend quantity may increase to a maximum of a B20 (20%) blend during the trial. Regular monitoring and testing will be undertaken throughout the trial to measure the reduction in emissions.

The biodiesel will be rigorously tested to ensure compliance with NZS 7500:2005 and engine oil sampling will also be carried out.

The Facts about Biodiesel:

• Biodiesel has been used since 1895
• Biodiesel does reduce harmful emissions
• Biodiesel is not straight vegetable oil. It has been processed to become biodiesel.
• Pure biodiesel is commonly referred to as B100
• Biodiesel can comprise of waste vegetable oil, animal fats or virgin oil.
• Biodiesel roughly produces the same amount of torque and horsepower in diesel engine vehicles.
• Biodiesel is significantly less toxic to humans than normal diesel.

More information can be found on Environment Canterbury's website: To find out how the trial is progressing, take a look here.