Our mission is to Provide renewable fuel alternatives to our community, to reduce dependence on petroleum, strengthen the local economy, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Who are we?

The San Francisco Biofuels Cooperative is a community-oriented Not-for-Profit organization with a mission to advance the use of biofuels in San Francisco. Find out more about the co-op here.

What is biodiesel?

There is often some confusion about the difference between biodiesel and vegetable oil. Though derived from biological sources, biodiesel is a processed fuel that can be readily used in any diesel-engine without modification (though rubber seals in older models should be replaced as they will be degraded by the biodiesel). Conversely, diesel vehicles must be specially modified in order to run on straight vegetable oil (see our Links page for resources).

Biodiesel is a much cleaner burning fuel than petro-diesel, as you can see on this chart. In addition, biodiesel is much lower in terms of most green house gas (GHG) emissions than is regular gasoline, as seen here. And though biodiesel is a little more expensive on a per-gallon basis, diesel engines get significantly better mileage than gas engines, so you save both money and GHGs. And it smells yummy.

Where can I get biodiesel?

In order to buy biodiesel in California, you need to be a member of a biodiesel user group that has obtained a variance to dispense biodiesel. In San Francisco fuel is available at Dogpatch Biofuels at 765 Pennsylvania Avenue between 22nd and 23rd, Open: Mon-Fri; 11am-7pm Sat; 11am-2pm. For fleet consulting and fuel delivery visit People's Fuel Cooperative. In San Mateo fuel is available from Autopia And in Berkeley, fuel is available from the Biofuel Oasis (check their website for fueling times). People's Fuel, Dogpatch, Biofuel Oasis, and Autopia have collectively formed the Sustainable Biodiesel Retailers Alliance (SBRA) An association of independent biodiesel retailers committed to selling only sustainably produced, locally sourced biodiesel. Each maintain their own member lists, so membership with SFBC is not required to fuel with them.

Prices & Sources as of February 27, 2009

Where can I get a diesel car?

eBay, Craigslist, and autotrader are all good sources for diesel vehicles. Due to the fact that these cars can run on biodiesel, they are in high demand!

Search the following sites for diesel vehicles:
Craigslist
AutoTrader
eBay motors