From kitchen to engine

Chico-based Springboard Biodiesel’s new appliance, the BioPro, has been endorsed by the Green Restaurant Association, a national nonprofit that promotes environmental responsibility.

The appliance converts used cooking oil into premium-grade biodiesel, which emits up to 90 percent less carbon dioxide and 50 percent less fine particulate matter than regular diesel fuel, according to Renewable Energy Magazine. The appliance allows restaurants to produce a gallon of biodiesel—which will run in any diesel engine without conversion and can be mixed in any ratio with regular diesel fuel—for about 95 cents.

“Making a clean-burning fuel in an automated appliance and saving money at the same time is a truly great combination of benefits,” said Springboard CEO Mark Roberts.