11 March 2009
Diona is greening up!

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Biodiesel trials

In early March Diona began trialing biodiesel as a fuel for our fleet. We are aiming to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but it looks like we will also be able to reduce our fuel costs, and make our workplace healthier.

Diona are trialing a blend of Biodiesel called B20, which is an 80% diesel and 20% soybiodiesel mix. Soybiodiesel is derived from soybean meal, a staple feedstuff of poultry and cattle. That means not only is the Biodiesel renewable but it supports the food industries security into the future.

Some of the other benefits include:

• reduction in toxicity
• reduction of exhaust smoke
• reductions in carcinogenic emission like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons
• better engine lubrication

Biodiesel has a neutral odour when burnt (no fish and chip smell, like tallow oils).

It is used by many different manufacturers including Case, IH, CAT, Cummins, Detroit Diesel Corporation, Ford, GM, International, Iveco, Volvo, Kubota and many others.

So how is it performing? Well! Very well in fact. Our trail driver has reported no loss in performance and has been that impressed with the product he decided that, if he were still running his own trucks, he would switch to Biodiesel. All this and it's cheaper than regular diesel--generally by around 6 cents per litre. However the jury is still out and the trial continues. Stay tuned for an update in the next Drill.

Environmental policies

Diona has recently developed a number of new environmental policies. They all exceed the industries standards and compliment Diona's responsible approach to the work we undertake.

The policies include an overarching Environmental policy, Greenhouse Gas Reduction policy, Waste Minimisation policy, Water Conservation policy and a Support for Local Business policy. They focus on our actions as a responsible corporate citizen and assist us to deliver our projects in an environmentally friendly manner.

For example:

• purchasing more fuel efficient machinery with lower green house gas emissions
• using more environmentally friendly fuels and office supplies
• fitting energy efficient lighting throughout all offices and sheds
• reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill dumps, i.g. by buying products that will last longer at the end of their life, can be recycled (all of our old mobile phones will be recycled), and making recycling systems more user friendly
• conserving water e.g. when cleaning plant, removing as much dirt as possible manually then finishing with a gurney

The new policies will be adopted over the next few months, and any changes to your day to day activities will be communicated with you via toolbox talks, bulletins and in project meetings. The changes have been designed to assist you in your work, so hopefully your jobs will become a little easier as well as more environmentally friendly.

I for one am looking forward to working in a greener workplace! I hope you are to.