Page 24 - GBC winter 2015

Coast and in Whistler were given access to renewable natural gas – the only program of its kind in North America.
Even though the environmental benefits of displacing diesel or gasoline with biomethane have long been discussed and debated, embracing biogas utilization in the US and Canada remains slow and behind other countries. But two recent developments are likely to reduce this initial reticence in both countries - particularly at the land- scape level.
2015 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
The first development is the recently completed 2015 RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario. Of note this year, was that RBC combined forces with Bullfrog to reduce its environmental impact with Bullfrog Power’s green electricity and green natural gas capacity.
The tournament at Glen Abbey was designed this year to be carbon neutral by combining offsets for vehicles and diesel generators with Bullfrog Power’s green energy. In particular, Bullfrog Power’s generators were positioned to put green natural gas onto the national pipeline system to match the amount of natural gas used at the 2015 RBC Canadian Open.
Sourced from a unique, ground- breaking methane-capture project situated on one of Canada’s land- fills, Bullfrog’s green natural gas is a climate-friendly alternative to conventional, polluting natural gas. Through this innovative tech- nology, biogas is captured, cleaned up, and put onto the national natu- ral gas pipeline, displacing fossil fuel-based gas and reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere (Bullfrog 2015).
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
The second development is the results of ongoing research conducted by the US Department of Energy under its Clean Cities Guide to Alternative Fuel Commercial Lawn Equipment. This research work is noteworthy for three compelling reasons.
First, it recognizes that alternative fuel mowers are one way to reduce the energy and environmental impact of commercial lawn mowing. They can reduce petroleum use and emissions compared with gasoline and diesel-fuelled mowers. They may also save on fuel and maintenance costs, extend mower life, reduce fuel spillage and fuel theft.
Second, it provides rationale for the increased use of this form of alternative energy by providing data substantiating a number of positive attributes of natural gas as a fuel. In particular, that natural gas engines can produce lower amounts of some harmful emissions and the green- house gas carbon dioxide. The cleaner-burning nature of natural gas may result in reduced maintenance requirements, such as less-frequent oil changes, and extended mower life. In addition, natural gas does not spoil or clog fuel systems in lawn equipment during seasonal storage, whereas liquid fuels can. Natural gas must be compressed and stored at high pres- sure to enable adequate mowing time. This sealed and pressurized fuel- storage system has the advantage of eliminating evaporative emissions and spillage, as well as the potential fuel theft sometimes associated with liquid-fuelled lawn equipment.
Third, the Guide helps organizations that are already using alterna- tive fuels in their vehicles and have an alternative fuel supply or electric charging in place (e.g., golf cart charging stations at most golf courses). On the flip side, experiencing the benefits of using alternative fuels in mowing equipment may encourage organizations to try them in on-road vehicles as well. Whatever the case, alternative fuel commercial lawn- mowers are a powerful and cost-effective way to find alternative uses for organic wastes materials, generate new renewable sources of energy, and ultimately help protect the Canadian environment
BIOMETHANE AND YOUR FACILITY
The impressive growth and scale of the EU biogas industry provides many important insights for other countries that are looking to expand biogas resources. The success can largely be attributed to public policy.
Canadian golf course owners should embrace biomethane and thereby help the planet address its problems associated with climate change. Along the way, it is important that owners let their communities know how ‘green’ they are. Publicity could be as simple as placing notices around the course or in the clubhouse, which show how the club is reduc- ing, reusing and recycling.
Given the investment in AD, just imagine how such ‘green’ leader- ship will attract more patrons to your facility and make your club more profitable.
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