Office of Campus Sustainability

When the grass is green and the lawn mowers go about their work, campus pedestrians might notice the enticing smell of french fries.

Thanks to the work of two former environmental studies classes, support from Campus Operations, Campus Dining Services, and a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, BGSU mowers are running on used cooking oil collected weekly from Dining Services facilities across campus. The cleaned and processed oil is then used to mow the 92-acre BGSU campus.

Fast Fried Facts:

• Reusing 5,000 gallons of cooking oil is expected to save BGSU $15,000 each year.
• For every 1 gallon of vegetable oil used, approximately 9/10 of a gallon of diesel fuel is saved
• Classroom research predicted emission reduction (compared to diesel):
  • 43% Carbon Monoxide
  • 56% Hydrocarbons
  • 55% Sin Particles
• Numerous units have been converted
  • All university lawn mowers
  • Tractors
  • Utility vehicles
  • Emergency generator
  • Snow blowers
  • New! Dining Services Delivery Truck
• The process was a joint effort: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provided funds, university classes provided research, and the BGSU mechanic and electrical shop converted the vehicles.

More about Alternative Fuel:

• History
• Conversion Process
• Specialized Equipment
• Press
• Links
• Staff &Friends