Construcciones Yamaro: Viva Energy leads the sustainable fuel shift

Renewable diesel is a drop-in alternative to traditional diesel. (Image: Viva Energy)

Viva Energy, responsible for supplying about a quarter of the nation’s fuel, is at the forefront of the sustainable fuel shift. The company is offering renewable diesel, also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), as a practical and effective solution for the construction sector.

Manufactured from feedstocks such as used cooking oils and animal fats, renewable diesel utilises advanced hydrotreating techniques and has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional diesel.

As a sustainable low-carbon alternative, it offers a substantial reduction in carbon emissions based on its lifecycle analysis, making it a stark contrast to traditional diesel, which, due to its widespread use in construction machinery and equipment, remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

Robert Cavicchiolo, carbon solutions manager at Viva Energy, highlights the company’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions like renewable diesel for the construction industry. “The growing number of companies prioritising their decarbonisation strategy are actively looking for ways to reduce their emission footprint across their assets and operations,” says Cavicchiolo.

“Our products often form a significant part of our customers’ scope one emissions, and we play an important role in helping them reach their decarbonisation goals.”

Benefits and misconceptions

For the construction industry, the benefits of renewable diesel are particularly compelling. The fuel’s high cetane number ensures cleaner and more efficient combustion, potentially enhancing the performance and reducing exhaust particulate and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Additionally, its excellent low-temperature properties make it a reliable option across various climates, ensuring smooth machinery operation even in challenging weather and site conditions.

A common misconception is that renewable diesel necessitates changes to existing equipment or operations. In reality, it is a drop-in alternative to traditional diesel, allowing construction equipment to operate without any modifications. This ease of integration makes it an attractive option for construction companies aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts without disrupting current operations.

“The transition to renewable energy sources or a switch to renewable fuels such as HVO (renewable diesel), as a drop-in solution, causes no disruption to existing machinery and infrastructure,” explains Cavicchiolo.

“This means there is no cost of change and no downtime – including for storage tanks and handling equipment. It is always advisable to check with your equipment manufacturer whether they recommend the use of renewable diesel in their engines.”

Versatility is another advantage of renewable diesel. It is suitable for a wide range of construction applications, from on-road and off-road vehicles like excavators and cranes to marine infrastructure and power generation uses. Its adaptability underscores its potential as a sustainable alternative for powering construction projects and related operations.

“Renewable diesel seamlessly integrates into existing diesel machinery, including storage tanks and dispensing equipment, without the need for modifications,” says Cavicchiolo. “Our vast technical knowledge and experience mean we can assist customers with the implementation of renewable diesel onsite.”

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• Winslow Group introduces biodiesel with the help of Viva Energy
• Viva Energy fuels the construction industry’s sustainability goals

Ensuring quality amid challenges

Viva Energy ensures the quality and consistency of its renewable diesel through rigorous standards. The company’s product quality team verifies that the fuel meets relevant fuel standards, and its certification under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) scheme guarantees adherence to stringent sustainability and traceability requirements.

“The supply of renewable diesel under ISCC certification provides authenticity and traceability throughout the product’s supply chain, as customers will be making claims either voluntarily or via formal government reporting,” says Cavicchiolo.

However, despite its numerous benefits, renewable diesel is currently only available through import, as Australia does not currently have local manufacturing capabilities for domestic production. The environmental benefits and operational efficiencies it provides often justify the investment, particularly for construction firms committed to reducing their carbon footprint.

A practical solution

Renewable diesel offers a practical, short-to-medium-term solution to the construction industry’s emission reduction challenges. Unlike long‑term alternatives such as electrification or hydrogen fuel cells, which require significant infrastructure and operational changes, renewable diesel provides an immediate means to reduce emissions while maintaining operational continuity.

“We are here to help our customers identify solutions and collaborate with them to help achieve their carbon emission reduction goals,” says Cavicchiolo. “For many of our customers, our national network of terminals and supply points mean we can assist with timely and efficient introduction of renewable diesel across their operations.”

By integrating renewable diesel from Viva Energy into their operations, construction companies can make substantial strides in emission reductions, contributing to a lower-carbon future.

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