Pacific Biodiesel Logistics, the grease collection division of Hawaii-based biodiesel technology firm Pacific Biodiesel, has received the Platinum Certified Clean Fleet award from Blue Planet Foundation and Honolulu Clean Cities as part of the new Hawaii Clean Fleets certification program.

The platinum certification is the program’s most prestigious level, reserved for public or commercial fleets that exclusively use renewable fuels or electricity for all vehicles in their fleets. Only one other organization—Extended Horizons Inc.—received the same platinum award.

Three additional organizations—Hawaii Electric Light Co., the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Dependable Hawaiian Express—received Certified Clean Fleet awards, which recognizes organizations that are making significant progress in clean transportation by incorporating renewable fuels and fuel efficiency strategies into their vehicle fleets.

“These organizations are stepping up to the plate as leaders in Hawaii, helping the state’s economy by reducing petroleum imports while minimizing their environmental footprint,” said Shem Lawlor, clean transportation director for Blue Planet Foundation. “The Clean Fleets program gives us an opportunity to recognize their tremendous efforts and to demonstrate to others what is possible.”

Blue Planet Foundation presented the certification awards at the Hawaii Transportation Association annual meeting Aug. 27-28 at the Sheraton Kona Resort. 

Modeled after the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, the Hawaii Clean Fleets program recognizes businesses, organizations, and government agencies who are making progress on renewable fuels, conservation and fuel-efficiency measures in their vehicle fleets and transportation operations.

Transportation accounts for more than 60 percent of the energy consumed in Hawaii. Nearly half a billion gallons of fuel were consumed last year in Hawaii by ground transportation alone.

“Using renewable fuels and fuel efficiency measures can help reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels,” Lawlor said. “Alternative fuels and efficient driving practices contribute to a more sustainable future for Hawaii’s transportation industry—we’re moving the state towards a 100 percent clean-energy economy.”