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Green & Go Launch

The Cowichan Bio-Diesel Team is excited to announce the openings of its newest Green & Go​™ pump at Cowichan Petroleum Sales. Check back on this website for more info on the upcoming opening.

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FUNdraiser for Cowichan Bio-Diesel Coop & Miles Phillips

5/8/2014

4 Comments

 
PictureMiles Phillips (left) with his wife Angela (right) and his two lovely girls
When we first moved to the Cowichan Valley some 8 years ago, we were driving a little Jetta that ran on bio-diesel. It wasn’t long before we had bought a diesel van that had been converted to run on veggie oil (to meet the needs of our expanding family) and had joined the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op (the Co-op or CB-DC) to support locally produced, sustainable biofuels. Living, as many of us do here in the Valley, on a rural property, means long drives to get to Duncan, school, and services, and running our vehicle on altrrnative fuel helps ease the guilty conscience that comes with lots of driving. To date, the Co-op together with its supporting partner the Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society (CEA) has prevented over 800 tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere by supplying the community with its recycled cooking oil biofuels.

At the best of times it’s not easy running a social enterprise focused on sustainable solutions, not profit. Then last summer I heard that the offices of the Co-op and CEA were broken into. Not just once, but five times, despite repeated requests from the tenants to make the building more secure. The CB-DC offices suffered the loss of thousands of dollars in stolen property and damages. “Our insurance had a $1000 deductible for each break-in and did not insure personal property so in the end we were not reimbursed for anything- it was a complete loss” says Brian Roberts, Co-op President.

In November, CEA was denied the essential Gaming Grant funding on which it relies for delivering their programs, leaving them without core funding. Nearly six months after sending a request to review the decision, CEA has still not received an answer from the Province. Then at the start of the new year the Co-op’s biofuel pump broke down which forced closure and expensive equipment repairs of the Co-op’s biofuels pump located. This left the Co-op without the much-needed biofuel distribution pump at Cowichan Petroleum Services, and the loss of its main source of revenue for several months.
After hearing about these difficulties I began brainstorming about organizing a fundraiser to help out the struggling organization. When I shared my ideas with Brian from the Co-op, he requested that we also extend the fundraiser to include a family in need.

With the unexpected and tragic death of Miles Phillips, the timing of a fundraiser could not be more appropriate. Philips, who was the financial manager of CEA and CB-DC, has left behind a wife and two daughters now coping with grief and in serious financial difficulties. The Co-op is already supporting a campaign to raise money for the family.

You can donate on-line at: hhttp://www.smellbetter.org/1/post/2014/03/fundraising-for-miles-phillips-family.html

In the spirit of giving, there will be a community dance event taking place May 31st at the HUB in Cowichan Station, 5pm-11pm. There will live music from Bijou de Bayou, Paradigm Shifters, the Twisted Vine String Band and more, a silent auction, food, beverages and kids activities. Proceeds will be split between the family of Miles Phillips, and the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op. We are suggesting a donation of $25 at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds or for donating more!

It’s not every community that is blessed with its own locally produced, sustainable biofuel service as we are here in Cowichan. Let’s keep our Co-op going, and providing the essential service it does, and help out a struggling family at the same time.

Come demonstrate your support and the resilience of our Cowichan community! See you there!

Blog Post Submitted By:
Genevieve Charbonneau
gencharb@gmail.com
http://twistedvinefarm.ca



4 Comments

Winter is here! Biodiesel Cold Flow Issues and Solutions

12/11/2013

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As a result of the abnormally cold conditions over the last week we’ve been experiencing unprecedented cold-flow issues with biodiesel.  At this time of year we strongly recommend lowering your biodiesel ratio to B50 at most – meaning that you must mix your biodiesel with at least 50% regular diesel to ensure the fuel continues to flow well in the winter months.  In past years, those most die-hard Co-op members (myself included!) who have decided to use B100 (100% biodiesel) anyway have still been able to use 100 percent biodiesel without significant cold flow issues.  That is not the case this year.

While we typically have not had issues in past winters with our fuel, this year demand for our biofuel has been outpacing our ability to supply all the biodiesel from our own Co-op micro-brew facility at Bings Creek.  As a result we have had to bring in additional supplies from partner biodiesel producers which have not had the same degree of cold-flow tolerance as the biodiesel we produce ourselves.  This, along with an abnormally cold spell, has resulted in greater cold flow issues than normally experienced.

As a result, the cardlock pump at CPS has been shut down to prevent members from filling up with B100 during these cold conditions.  The reason is two-fold:  First, we need to make sure we protect you from the risk that your vehicle may not run when temperature drop below freezing.  Next, we have to ensure we do not damage some very expensive pumps at the Co-op’s cardlock at CPS if the biodiesel gets too thick and over-strains the equipment.  Unfortunately, this option does not help us continue to offer you the biodiesel you joined the Co-op for.
There is another option:  to temporarily change the biodiesel ratio at the cardlock to a B50 blend.  This solves two problems at once:  It ensures our members have no risk of accidentally using too high a ratio that leaves their vehicle stranded if the temperature drops too low again, and; it ensures that we can keep the pump open without the risk of a Co-op member inadvertently damaging the pump by using it during another cold snap. Winter maintenance at CPS revealed some technical challenges with the pump and we will let our valued members know as soon as the pump is back up and running.  

After careful consideration of the options, the Co-op board and staff have decided to temporarily change the blend from B100 to B50 at our cardlock on Allenby Road. Once we are safely out of this cold weather, we will again offer the pure biodiesel option.  I welcome any feedback on your experiences with the biodiesel during this cold period and on the Co-op’s decision to offer a B50 blend at this time.

As is out tradition during the holiday season, we will be having a Co-op member social before Christmas where you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts with the board and staff, and to hear ours as well.  We will also be going over the year in review and discussing the course for the Co-op’s future.  Please keep an eye on your inbox for the invitation!

Best wishes for the season,

Brian Roberts, President, 

Cowichan Biodiesel Co-op

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Island's First Biodiesel Blending Station - "Grand Opening"

6/19/2013

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COWICHAN BIODIESEL BLENDING STATION (OFFICIAL OPENING)

2 PM THURSDAY, June 27th, 2013

Located at the CVRD Bings Creek Recycling Drop-Off Depot at 
3900 Drinkwater Road, North Cowichan, British Columbia

Cowichan Energy Alternatives (CEA), the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op (Co-op) and the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) invite you to the official launch of Vancouver Island’s first and only biodiesel blending station - a local collection, processing and distribution center providing biofuel from waste cooking oils.

Please join us to celebrate this important step in creating an environmentally friendly and locally produced fuel source from recycled waste cooking oil. CEA Executives, CVRD officials, staff, and Co-op directors will be available to answer questions about this local sustainable biofuel solution. Guests and media will be able to see first-hand how sustainable biodiesel can be used to power the CVRD’s vehicle fleet. This station completes phase I of a sustainable fuel loop where recycled fryer oil is processed into biodiesel used to fuel diesel vehicles all at the same location. Phase II will add a point of sale system that allows the station to be accessed by Co-op and BC Biofuel Network members.

‘Sustainable Solution in Action’ - The Cowichan Biofuel Facility is a homegrown biodiesel processing and distribution centre, recycling locally collected commercial and residential waste cooking oils into environmentally-friendly biofuel for local users. This demonstration facility is the first of its kind in North America and a model for communities seeking sustainable solutions that support the development of a local low-carbon economy. It is the result of a unique partnership between the Cowichan Valley Regional District, Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op and Cowichan Energy Alternatives, and is part of the growing BC Biofuel Network.

Biodiesel in its pure form (B100) can entirely replace the usage of fossil fuels or it can be blended with regular diesel to whatever percentage blend is required. This makes biodiesel an important renewable energy solution that can be used now with existing diesel engine technology to immediately begin to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.


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What is the point of carbon credits?

12/20/2012

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Aaron Bichard’s Nov 26 column stated “Issuing carbon credits is missing the real point.”

While I empathize, I believe that depends on what goal we’re aiming for and how it can be realistically achieved.

Cowichan Recyclists is aiming for beyond carbon-neutral. Bichard’s bicycle-powered recycling firm has proven this can be profitably achieved, literally, under its own power.

But the carbon market wasn’t designed for profitable green businesses, it’s to help everyone else.

What if you operate a helicopter company that provides a lifeline to remote communities or transportation for medical emergencies? What if you want to visit family in Ontario? There are no carbon-neutral transportation solutions currently available.

What if a business offering services to help us become carbon-neutral couldn’t compete in a world awash in cheap fossil fuels without financial help starting out?


Read More Here Via Cowichan News Leader!
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CBDC Executives Help Initiate The Change! Vancity launches new Clean Air Vehicle Loan

12/16/2012

28 Comments

 
Vancity launches new Clean Air Vehicle Loan effective December 11, 2012

December 11, 2012

Page Content

Overview:

Vancity’s Clean Air Auto Loan has been enhanced to better fulfill member needs for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Details:

Under the previous Clean Air Auto Loan, members could have only qualified for financing if they purchased a new energy efficient car. However, under this new Clean Air Vehicle loan members can purchase new or used low-CO2 energy  efficient autos, plus they can finance:

1.      Purchase of a vehicle for the purpose of installing an alternative fuel conversion system.

o   Fuel conversion system for: propane, electric, or straight vegetable oil (SVO) (bio-fuel).

2.      Purchase and installation of an alternative fuel conversion system in a members existing vehicle.

3.      Purchase of motorized or non-motorized bikes, including electric bikes, non-motorized bicycles and scooters.

The new Clean Air Vehicle Loan rewards members who choose vehicles that emit less carbon by offering preferential loan rates.  The member pricing for this loan is Vancity Prime + 1% for new automobiles, and Vancity Prime+2% for other Clean Air Vehicle loan choices.

Member and Staff Led Innovation

The loan product enhancements have been driven through member and staff led innovation. With the rise in popularity in alternate fuels and fuel conversion systems, members have been requesting financing for various green transportation options.  This new loan also fulfills staff requests for enhancements as illustrated in a Clean Air Vehicle Loan v-check submission.  

Also, competitively none of the major banks or credit unions offers such a loan for environmentally friendly vehicles and vehicle conversions.

The Clean Air Vehicle Loan positions Vancity as an environmental leader, and aligns with Vancity’s goal of working toward climate change solutions by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

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Job Posting at Community Carbon Marketplace

12/10/2012

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Do you want an internship where you work with amazing people doing amazing things in the sustainability field?  Looking for a place to put your education to the test AND earn a fair market salary?  You want to work with us!  Honest.  The Community Carbon Marketplace is an on-line market where verified carbon credits can be listed for sale and purchased by individuals, corporations and municipalities to offset their carbon footprint…locally.  This is where you come in, designing that online marketplace. Check it out! Community Carbon Marketplace Web Design Internship and  CCM Web Design Internship Summary.
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New bins keep the biofuels flowing Via Cowichan Valley Citizen 

12/9/2012

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Debora Sky is all smiles after doing her part to help out the environment on Tuesday afternoon. Sarah Simpson, Citizen
























Little did Debora Sky know Tuesday afternoon that her first time depositing her used cooking oil in the City of Duncan's collection bin, she'd be swarmed by curious media.


"I just happened to be going by, I had some oil in my car that I no longer need and I thought I'd just drop it off," she explained. "It was fairly painless."

The Duncan bin has been there for about a year and so far it has collected about 1,000 litres of used oil. That translated into 900 litres of clean-burning bio fuel - and all with little media buzz.


But project coordinator Rick Juliusson hopes the official opening of the bins will encourage more people to use them and for more biofuel to be made.

The concept is one Sky supports.

"You sort of have to be mindful of what the options are. Not that you can initiate them immediately in your own life for various reasons," she said. "But you know that the options are there and want to be able to use them."It takes all of 10 seconds to do. Open the door and put the container inside. It really is that easy.

Posing for photos, Juliusson gave his best salesman's pitch: "Look how easy it is! You take your oil, you place it in the bin. Please note it's a plastic container with a tight screw on lid. And please note that it's only liquid cooking oil in here! No bacon grease, no motor oil. No antifreeze. This is the good stuff that makes biofuels, keeps our world clean, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, keeps it out of the sewers, reduces costs and keeps your grandma happy."

It takes all of 10 seconds to do. Open the door and put the container inside. It really is that easy.

From there, the Cowichan Biodiesel Co-op will collect it and turn it into biofuel at its state-of-the-art facility at Bings Creek.



By Sarah Simpson, Itizen


READ MORE HERE


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Welcome to the BC Biofuel Network 

11/13/2012

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The BC Biofuel Network is a collection of organizations that have come together to supply the four key elements of a truly green fuel network: feedstock supply, biofuel processing, distribution to members and administration and education. Together all four types of organizations have been working slowly and thoughtfully on this project for over 6 years. Over the last year, the Network has been piloting projects in various areas of BC to solidify quality and reliability in customer service while providing stable oil collection, and biofuel access for the lower mainland in BC and on Vancouver Island. Between the organizations on the team, there is the processing infrastructure, the collection trucks, the collection bins, the staff and the knowhow to offer sustainable fuel choices for British Columbians.

The BC Biofuel team has brought together over two dozen organizations, including the Province of B.C., several regional governments, for-profits and non-profits who are working to bring waste cooking oil in British Columbia full circle back to the communities it is used in. The results currently are nearly 500 British Columbians and organizations, who are members of a series of Biofuel Co-operatives, purchasing Biofuel through card lock systems and pumps and who are creating a positive impact on the environment, reducing Greenhouse Gases, reducing pollution, and reducing or eliminating harmful asthma causing exhaust all over B.C.


The oil collection industry has changed considerably over the last decade. What was once a fee payer service now comes for free and can even have other benefits as well. With each litre of oil collected, the Cowichan Energy Alternative Society provides an annual Leadership Award estimating the Greenhouse Gases reduced by the contribution to biofuel. While they are not carbon credits, they demonstrate community leadership and environmental stewardship in their community. As well, Cowichan Energy can also deliver Carbon Footprinting for organizations as they have certified Canadian Standards Association GHG Quantifiers on staff. Being able to say that your organization is Carbon Neutral is becoming a strong tool for brand and customer loyalty.


British Columbia is emerging as one of the fastest growing and most advance biofuel communities on the planet. Due to this, recently Cowichan Energy Alternatives was chosen to host the 2011 International Collective Biofuels Conference. We were very excited as the first Canadian location to be chosen to host this International event, just over a year ago. The conference was last held in Washington D.C. and in August of 2011 it happened in the spectacular Cowichan Valley!
On behalf of Greasecycle, Cowichan Energy Alternatives and the rest of the members of the BC Biofuel Network, we are excited to present the BC Biofuel Network, a truly sustainable loop for waste oil to Biofuel in British Columbia.

By Miles Phillips
President, Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society

4 Comments

    Author

    CB-DC’s waste oil is collected from local restaurants using vegetable oil. They are part of our Eat Better Locations program. It’s a win-win situation, because when we EAT BETTER, our vehicles SMELL BETTER. 

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