http://icouldsewdothat.com/archives/347
We were all snuggled up on the sofa enjoying our dinner in front of the television as usual, when a commercial for a new Mercedes-Benz flashed across the screen. My husband remarked about how nice looking it was, but the first thing my daughter said, was “what’s blue diesel”? I replied something about it being greener and then decided to get to the bottom of what this greener (blue) diesel is all about. I found a great article on it at About.com that explained that it is essentially a more efficient engine that deliver the fuel at a high pressure to ensure “maximum combustion efficiency… [that] improves economy and lowers emissions.” The final piece is the exhaust which manipulates the temperature at which the fuel is burned and the mix to burn off particulates (soot) and reduce hydrocarbons in the exhaust which are released into the atmosphere and cause air pollution and cancer. In the end the BLUETEC works by using technology to increase the efficiency of the diesel powered engine to reduce emissions, and which is a step in the right direction. This technology isn’t new, but it’s the first I’ve heard of it and I’m glad that we are continually striving to make improvements in clean transportation. In fact, it seems as if Mercedes is actively working toward developing greener vehicles and a leaner, greener business, including building the first luxury dealership in the world to be certified by the U.S.G.B.C, a “Think Green Team” focused on environmental initiatives and even launching a zero-emission fuel cell vehicle slated for this Spring.
