‘Pelham 123’ gets green
An informal study on the set of “The Taking of Pelham 123″ in Brooklyn over two consecutive days in June 2008 showed that using a blend of ultra-low sulfur petroleum-based diesel fuel and processed waste vegetable oil (B18) to power a generator led to a 21 percent decrease in carbon monoxide emissions.
The test, which has not been published, was conducted by John Nettleton, a lecturer in Cornell’s Department of City and Regional Planning, and collaborators from Columbia, Brookhaven National Laboratory and City College of New York.
On June 9, the group powered a generator on the film set with ultra-low sulfur petroleum-based diesel fuel and measured emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Carbon monoxide in the atmosphere can accelerate the reaction leading to ozone formation and smog.
The following day, they repeated the test using a blend of ultra-low sulfur petroleum-based diesel fuel and processed waste vegetable oil (B18) in the same generator. The biodiesel was supplied by Tri-State Biodiesel, a Brooklyn-based company that produces biodiesel from waste vegetable oil collected from Brooklyn and other New York City restaurants. The same measurements showed a 21 percent decrease in carbon monoxide emissions.
Emission levels of nitrogen oxides also decreased by 5.5 percent. This gas contributes to smog and directly affects those with respiratory problems. According to the researchers, use of biodiesel significantly reduces the effects on those working in the area, passing by and breathing the air.
The effort was part of a NYSERDA-funded research grant to promote the use of biodiesel in New York City.
“Our study was a useful and viable field test on a film set, which had not heretofore been conducted to compare BD with diesel overall,” said Nettleton.
“Wider industry adoption and use of biodiesel for film generators, backup equipment and construction can greatly improve air quality and reduce pollutants that contribute to asthma and respiratory problems, critically important in many New York City neighborhoods,” he added.