News Summary
Orange Grove Charter School in Charleston becomes the first school in the U.S. to convert its diesel school buses to renewable natural gas (RNG) using the DEMI-NeuFuel platform. This innovative technology allows for a blend of diesel and RNG, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting fuel costs significantly. The initiative reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability and has sparked interest from other districts nationwide. By leveraging low-cost natural gas, Orange Grove Charter School sets a precedent for eco-friendly school transportation.
Charleston, South Carolina – Orange Grove Charter School has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first school in the United States to convert its diesel school buses to run on renewable natural gas (RNG). This initiative utilizes the DEMI-NeuFuel diesel displacement platform, a conversion technology often referred to as the “CowFartBus.” The conversion represents a significant step towards sustainable transportation within the educational sector.
The transition to RNG is the result of a collaborative effort between local manufacturer Ingevity, based in North Charleston, and American CNG, headquartered in Layton, Utah. Drawing from a successful pilot program that converted an existing school bus using this innovative technology, the school has now expanded the initiative to most of its bus fleet.
The DEMI-NeuFuel platform enables the buses to operate on a mix of diesel and RNG, which is a nearly zero-carbon fuel produced from the biodegradation of organic material, such as agricultural waste and landfill refuse. This solution is particularly advantageous because it can be retrofitted onto in-service diesel buses, eliminating the expensive need for school districts or contractors to purchase entirely new vehicles.
Financially, the conversion is poised to deliver considerable savings for Orange Grove Charter School. The school anticipates a reduction in fuel costs by over 25%, translating into approximately $750 savings each month. The initiative will also result in the displacement of roughly 270 gallons of diesel per month and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 32.6 metric tons annually—equivalent to the emissions produced by a school bus traveling 18,549 miles.
This conversion aligns with Orange Grove’s commitment to lowering its carbon footprint and offering cleaner air for its students and the surrounding community. The technology not only reduces emissions but also leverages low-cost natural gas and zero-to-low carbon RNG as effective transportation fuels tailored for school bus fleets.
Feedback from bus drivers has shown that the converted vehicles operate more smoothly and quietly than their diesel counterparts, enhancing the overall driving experience for both drivers and students.
The CowFartBus initiative kicked off in early 2023 and has garnered interest from various school districts and bus contractors across the United States, with participation reported from states including Wyoming, New Jersey, and Michigan. This expansion highlights a growing trend towards sustainable practices in school transportation.
A notable feature of the conversion is the small fueling appliance that mimics the size of a standard college dorm refrigerator and connects directly to the existing natural gas utility line on the Orange Grove campus. This compact system allows for a seamless transition to using RNG as a fuel source.
Orange Grove Charter School is not only embracing this technology but also aims to foster discussions on sustainability in transportation. The school is focused on providing affordable and accessible options for other educational institutions interested in implementing greener technologies to reduce emissions and promote environmental responsibility.
As the first in the nation to undertake such a comprehensive conversion, Orange Grove Charter School is paving the way for future initiatives aimed at improving energy use and environmental impact in school transportation.
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