Students to propose use of biodiesel fuel in buses

By Amber Wade

Published Feb. 1, 2008

While energy consumption concerns increase throughout the United States, groups such as MU’s Student Energy Conservation Society search for solutions and take action.

SECS strives to involve students in energy conservation.

“SECS was formed a year ago to be the student outreach program of the Missouri Industrial Assessment Center,” SECS Treasurer Michael Koch said. “SECS gets students involved in energy conservation and also tries to cut back on energy consumption throughout campus.”

SECS President Jason Fox said the group has lots of future plans that will lead to better energy efficiency, but its main focus is the use of biodiesel fuel.

“There is about 7,000 usable gallons of vegetable oil on campus, and if it could be used instead of diesel fuel, it would eliminate over 180 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually,” Fox said. “Although there would never be enough biodiesel to completely replace gasoline, putting biodiesel fuel in only one bus will make a difference.”

Fox said he hopes this will not only go into effect on campus, but also in Columbia.

“Hopefully, one day we will have the equipment to be able to expand into the city of Columbia,” Fox said.

SECS will present a proposal to the Student Fee Capital Improvement Committee to receive funding for the program.

Fox said SECS also hopes to partner with a light bulb company to receive inexpensive compact fluorescent light bulbs for students. SECS members also have discussed revamping MU’s recycling policy in a way that makes it easier to recycle.

While SECS does its part for the environment, students at MU can help by altering their daily lives slightly, Fox said.

“The main thing that students can do is to recycle water bottles and newspapers,” he said.

Koch offered other tips.

“It’s easy to get into the habit of driving to class, but try to walk or ride your bike as often as you can,” he said. “Turn off your lights when you leave your room and switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.”

Koch said making these changes will also save student money.

“The more environmentally conscious you are, the more money you save,” he said.