PHILADELPHIA --  The University of Pennsylvania will test a newly developed biodiesel fuel made from waste grease from commercial kitchens.  The fuel, produced by Philadelphia Fry-o-Diesel, LLC, a biodiesel production company, is cleaner burning than petroleum diesel.   

Vehicles from Penn Transit Services and from  the Facilities and Real Estate Services Division will be powered by PFOD's blend of 20 percent Fry-o-Diesel and 80 percent on-road petro-diesel produced by its pilot plant in North Philadelphia.  The vehicles will use this blended fuel until June 30, when data such as mileage and performance will be analyzed.  Penn Dining will provide specific waste products from its commercial kitchens to PFOD's large-scale biodiesel plant.  

"Penn is taking its role in promoting environmental responsibility very seriously, with initiatives being pursued across all facets of operations and campus planning," said Dan Garofalo, senior facilities planner of FRES.  "We intend to continue exploring innovative alternative fuels such as this one.  Our goal is to leave a legacy of a healthier, more sustainable campus for future generations."  

Penn's food service partner, ARAMARK, will ensure that grease trapped from the Penn Dining kitchens go to PFOD.  

"The remains from our commercial kitchens is an inexpensive raw material which we are happy to put to good use," said John Cipollini, general manager of Penn Dining. "This is a great way to reduce environmental impact by recycling a waste product."