Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series: Lowering Carbon Emissions with Alternative Fuels-12.11.25 Handout. Lowering Carbon Emissions with Alternative Fuels

12.11.25 Handout. Lowering Carbon Emissions with Alternative Fuels

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The "Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series: Lowering Carbon Emissions with Alternative Fuels" held on December 11, 2025, explored various alternative fuel options to reduce carbon emissions in fleet operations. Key speakers included experts from Clean Fuels Alliance America, the Propane Education & Research Council, Blossman Gas, and The Transport Project.<br /><br />The webinar emphasized the significant environmental benefits of advanced biofuels such as biodiesel (B100) and renewable diesel, both offering substantial reductions—up to 70% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel fuel. These fuels are renewable, domestically produced from diverse feedstocks, and compatible with existing diesel engines, enabling immediate carbon footprint reductions without costly vehicle modifications. The U.S. market for biomass-based diesel is growing, supported by EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard which mandates increased volumes of biomass-based fuels.<br /><br />Propane autogas was presented as an affordable, reliable, and sustainable option, with lower maintenance costs, reduced emissions (including 96% less NOx), and grid-independent fueling capabilities. Renewable propane, derived from bio-based feedstocks, similarly provides lower carbon intensity and is interchangeable with conventional propane.<br /><br />Natural gas, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and renewable natural gas (RNG), was highlighted by The Transport Project as a proven, cost-effective, and commercially available pathway to decarbonize heavy-duty fleets. RNG, produced from organic waste streams, offers a carbon-negative fuel option while benefiting from established refueling infrastructure. The presentation covered new technologies, including dual-fuel solutions and hydrogen fuel cells as future zero-emission options for long-haul applications.<br /><br />Additional strategies covered included optimizing fleet operations through audits, right-sizing, eco-driving training, and route optimization to reduce fuel usage without necessarily deploying electric vehicles (EVs). EVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) were recognized for lower tailpipe emissions with EVs ideal for short-range city operations, despite higher upfront costs.<br /><br />The City of Birmingham shared insights on implementing alternative fuels and addressing workforce training and retention challenges. The session concluded with guidance on measuring total cost of ownership, emission reductions, and community engagement to build support for sustainable fleet initiatives.

Keywords

Sustainable fleet technology

Alternative fuels

Carbon emissions reduction

Biofuels

Propane autogas

Renewable diesel

Natural gas vehicles

Renewable natural gas

Fleet optimization

Electric and hybrid vehicles