Definition

The first and most common definition of sustainability comes from the 1987 United Nations’ Brundtland Commission Report, “Our Common Future” which defined it as the ability to “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “sustainable development marries two important themes: that environmental protection does not preclude economic development and that economic development must be ecologically viable now and in the long run.”

Sustainability is a constant goal, however the path can change over time as our economy, environment, and society develop and the costs and benefits of certain technologies and policies become clearer. One day’s solution might bring unforeseen future consequences, making it necessary to evaluate the cumulative affect of all decisions and accept that the highest degree of sustainability may, at times, appear only incremental.

The Role of Clean Diesel Technology

We believe clean diesel technology is better able than ever before to help users improve efficiency and minimize environmental impacts through cleaner and more efficient methods of transporting freight and people, mining resources, constructing buildings, growing crops and providing power. By incorporating clean diesel technology in their operations, supply chains or personal lives; businesses, governments and individuals can maintain or improve performance with reduced impact on the world around them.

For diesel power users, clean diesel technology can minimize environmental costs and enhance operational sustainability through fuel use, vehicle/equipment efficiency and the number of vehicle miles traveled. It can also contribute to sustainability by enhancing economic and social security as a reliable source of clean backup power.

Cleaner Diesel Fuels Can Help Reduce Emissions and Petroleum Consumption

• Lower sulfur fuels have reduced criteria pollutants.
• Biodiesel and renewable diesel fuels reduce GHG emissions and improve energy security.

Vehicle/Equipment Performance

• New on-road vehicle emissions levels of criteria pollutants have been virtually eliminated. Similar achievements will be available in new off-road vehicles/equipment in coming years.
• Retrofitting vehicles and equipment can reduce emissions while preserving the economic value of capital equipment investments.
• New heavy-duty diesel hybrid technology further improves fuel efficiency while reducing emissions and even maintenance costs.
• Light-duty diesel vehicles are 20-40% more fuel efficient than gasoline cars and emit approximately 20% less CO₂.
• Transportation and production of raw materials, supplies and finished goods using clean diesel technology can significantly improve sustainability of virtually all industry sector operations through cleaner supply chain operations.

Number of Vehicles/Equipment in Use

• Greater use of efficient diesel-powered public transportation can reduce overall vehicle miles traveled

Enhanced Security Through Clean Diesel Durability and Reliability

• Clean diesel technology provides secure, reliable backup power for basic health, welfare and financial services in times of crisis.

How Clean Diesel Contributes to Sustainability

• Clean diesel technology can help contribute to the sustainability of businesses, communities and individuals by conserving resources, reducing economic costs and minimizing our impact on the environment.
• Mining, farming, construction and other heavy duty off-road equipment together with goods movement using clean diesel technology can improve the sustainability of all industries through cleaner supply chain operations.
• Clean diesel can improve individual sustainability through cleaner, more cost-effective personal vehicles, fuels and the availability of exceptionally clean public transportation in the form of diesel hybrid or retrofitted buses.