Reducing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles is a major challenge for municipalities. In Calgary, more than 1,200 medium and heavy-duty vehicles support essential services such as road maintenance, waste collection, and public safety. Many of these vehicles rely on diesel and must operate reliably in cold weather, making it difficult to transition quickly to zero-emission alternatives.
To address this challenge, the City of Calgary launched its Renewable Diesel Program. Renewable diesel is produced from organic and waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil and animal fats, and can be used as a direct replacement for conventional diesel without modifying vehicles or fueling infrastructure.
After extensive pilot testing, the program expanded in 2025 to five of Calgary’s busiest fueling sites, supplying 2.3 million litres of renewable diesel. In its first full season, the program reduced more than 5,900 tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining reliable municipal operations.
