Viva Energy is helping the construction sector make strides toward sustainability by showcasing the practicality and environmental benefits of renewable diesel.
The construction industry is at a critical juncture: balancing the demands of productivity with the need for sustainability. Diesel-powered equipment has long been the backbone of the sector, but with the growing demand for cleaner solutions, renewable diesel – also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – presents a promising alternative.
Australian energy company Viva Energy is making renewable diesel more accessible, enabling construction companies to reduce their carbon footprint and take a decisive step toward decarbonisation. Produced from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oils and animal fats, renewable diesel offers a reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel.
Robert Cavicchiolo, carbon solutions manager at Viva Energy, describes it as a “game-changer” for the construction industry.
“Renewable diesel offers the comparable performance as conventional diesel but with lower emissions,” says Cavicchiolo. “It’s a straightforward, drop-in solution that allows companies to continue operations while reducing their carbon footprint.”
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Why renewable diesel matters
The key advantage of renewable diesel is its seamless compatibility with existing diesel infrastructure. Its hydrocarbon structure is very similar to fossil fuel diesel, meaning construction companies can use it in their current machinery, fleets and generators without any costly modifications.
Produced using a hydrotreating process, renewable diesel turns feedstocks such as used cooking oils and animal fats (tallow) into a high-quality fuel. Not only does it reduce carbon emissions, but it also has the potential to reduce particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide, improving air quality on construction sites and in surrounding communities.
“Renewable diesel can reduce emissions by 70 to 90 per cent compared to traditional diesel, based on a life cycle analysis basis, helping companies achieve their emission reduction targets,” says Cavicchiolo.
Seamless transition, immediate benefits
Switching to renewable diesel is straightforward. Companies don’t need to upgrade equipment or change infrastructure – simply switch the fuel supply. Equipment manufacturers, including Liebherr, Volvo, Kubota, JCB, MTU, John Deere, Cummins and Caterpillar now support renewable diesel in their service bulletins and fuel recommendations, providing businesses with the confidence that it won’t disrupt operations. It is always recommended to check with the equipment manufacturers before switching to renewable diesel.
Viva Energy also ensures a reliable supply of renewable diesel, sourcing fuel from certified sustainable feedstocks under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) standard. This certification guarantees the fuel meets environmental and ethical standards.
Renewable diesel’s compatibility with existing storage and refuelling infrastructure and its ability to reduce emissions make it a practical solution for companies looking to transition to greener operations.
Practical considerations
While renewable diesel offers clear benefits, there are some factors companies should consider before making the switch:
- Supply – renewable diesel, similar to conventional diesel, is currently imported into Australia and hence requires planning if companies want to convert over to its use. However, Viva Energy ensures consistent availability through a robust supply chain.
- Cost – renewable diesel typically comes at a premium compared to traditional diesel. Despite this, the long-term environmental and regulatory benefits may justify the additional cost.
- Transition – the transition to renewable diesel is simple and doesn’t require significant downtime or equipment upgrades, though companies should complement its use with their existing fuel stocks to ensure a smooth transition.
A cleaner path forward
As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, renewable diesel offers a viable, drop-in solution. It helps companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements and lower emissions – all while continuing to rely on the machinery and vehicles they’ve already invested in.
“Renewable diesel is recognised under Australian Government legislation, such as the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme and National Greenhouse Accounts Factors (NGAF), for those facilities who are listed under the safeguard mechanism,” says Cavicchiolo.
“For some off-road applications, where electrification or green hydrogen isn’t yet viable, renewable diesel provides an attractive interim solution.”
End-to-end support
Viva Energy isn’t just a supplier of renewable diesel; it’s a partner in the journey toward sustainability. From educational resources to technical support, the company is committed to helping businesses transition with minimal disruption and confidence.
“We’re here to guide construction companies through the switch to renewable diesel,” says Cavicchiolo. “Through our Hydrocarbon Solutions team, we can help customers establish or upgrade fuel farms, project‑manage tank installations and ensure reliable, on-spec supply.”
The company’s Carbon Solutions and New Energies teams provide expertise in decarbonisation and collaborate with emerging technologies to explore future opportunities. As a technology-agnostic partner, Viva Energy stays forward-looking and adaptable, helping construction companies achieve sustainability goals while keeping pace with industry trends.
The construction sector is adopting renewable diesel as a transitional solution on the road to zero-emission technologies. Supported by a reliable supply chain and technical expertise, companies can confidently make the switch to a more sustainable future.
“Globally, renewable diesel has been in use for years in regions like Europe and the United States, and Australia is now following suit,” says Cavicchiolo. “With a well-established import model and a national supply footprint, we can serve customers across Australia.”
By championing renewable diesel, Viva Energy empowers companies to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals, reduce emissions and maintain peak performance.