Two long-time biodiesel leaders have been honored by the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) for their commitment to the environment – Harvard University Fleet Management Division and Medford Township Public Schools in Medford, NJ. Joe Biluck, Medford’s director of operations and technology, and David E. Harris Jr., Harvard’s director transit and fleet management, are the champions behind their fleets’ switch to biodiesel.

Biluck and Harris also serve as volunteer Biodiesel Ambassadors by educating other fleets on the benefits of biodiesel and how it can help achieve environmental benefits such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollution.

“These EPA Awards shine a spotlight on the environmental leadership that we have seen at Harvard and in Medford in their mission to replace petroleum with cleaner-burning biodiesel,” said Ron Marr, chairman of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). “NBB is proud to work with both Dave Harris and Joe Biluck, and their leadership and vision is helping to improve environmental quality and lower emissions through the use of America’s Advanced Biofuel.”

EPA’s Region 2 presented Medford with the 2016 Environmental Champion Award at a ceremony in New York City. The award honors Medford’s outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health. According to NBB, Medford’s leadership in the use of biodiesel alone has eliminated 123,376 pounds of smog-forming emissions, 2,408 pounds of diesel particulate matter and reduced its fleet operation costs by over $170,000. In 1997, Medford was the first school district in the country to use biodiesel. Today, it is the nation’s longest continuous user of biodiesel in a student transportation fleet.

EPA’s New England office honored Harvard University’s Fleet Management Division with the 2016 Environmental Merit Award on May 10 at a ceremony in Boston, Ma. NBB nominated Harvard for this award, which recognizes the University’s exceptional work and commitment to the environment. In 2004, Harvard was the first Ivy League school to power its diesel vehicles with cleaner burning biodiesel and since then its biodiesel program has grown. In the past year alone, Harvard’s biodiesel use resulted in the following estimated emissions reductions: 15 percent reduction in carbon dioxide; 12 percent reduction in carbon monoxide; 20 percent reduction in both hydrocarbon and sulfur dioxide and 12 percent reduction in particulate matter.