Operators of diesel-powered fleets looking to help the environment and maybe their own best interests need to know about a one-day workshop explaining the ins and outs of using Biodiesel in Toronto's Royal York Hotel on Tuesday, May 24.

Essentially, Biodiesel ''is a renewable fuel that can be made from Soybean oil, Canola oil, recycled cooking oils or animal fat. When Biodiesel is used in either it's pure form or blended with petroleum diesel fuel, it will reduce the harmful exhaust emissions that contribute to the production of smog.''

That is an explanation of the system by Ken Dack of Fleet Challenge Canada, the group that's running the all-day (from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) seminar, which costs $160.50 (the $150,00 fee plus the GST).

For diesel operators wondering what they have to do to use Biodiesel fuel, Dack says: ''Basically all one needs to do is take the cap off the fuel tank and fill up with Biodiesel. No modifications or adjustments are required to either the engine, the fuel system components or the fuel storage and distribution system.''

While Biodiesel can be a little more expensive per-litre than regular diesel when purchased in small quantities (it runs to $1 per litre for the soy-based mix, 89 cents for canola-based, or 79 cents for recycled oil), Dack says it also provides lots of plusses for businesses and groups.

He points out that using Biodiesel gives them the opportunity to:

• get involved in improving air quality
• help slow down the rate of global warming
• demonstrate social responsibility
• aid in improving the health of Canadian Citizens, and
• be less dependent on petroleum, which is a limited resource

On the side that's more likely to warm an accountant's heart, Dack also notes that using Biodiesel lowers maintenance costs for fuel system components (such as injectors and fuel pumps) and reduces the soot in the engine, which might allow extended oil change intervals.

All of these issues and more will be covered at the workshop on May 24, Dack promises.

The workshop is intended to ''explain Biodiesel trends, technical requirements, concerns and distribution considerations,'' says Dack.

Attendees will be able to listen to first-hand accounts about major Biodiesel projects, gain ''valuable insights from experts regarding issues of deployment and specific technical concerns.''

They will also be able to identify their next steps for using Biodiesel, and learn about such topics as purchase and supply; fuel quality, blending, gelling, compatibility and ''feedstock quality"; handling, usage and storage; and engine warranties, maintenance implications and related considerations.

Registration is required for this event and can be done at www.fleetchallenge.ca.

Included in the fee are a continental breakfast, tea and coffee, a lunch, ''nutrition breaks,'' and the Biodiesel User's Guide.

Fleet Challenge Canada is a national program that ''creates support for continuous improvement in energy efficiency and emissions reduction through partnerships with organizations committed to reducing greenhouse gas and other emissions from fleets.''

The program receives core funding from Natural Resources Canada, says Dack, and is managed regionally by Fleet Challenge Ontario.