Biodiesel Program
Our biodiesel program converts used vegetable oil into fuel and other products, with the long-term goal of reducing waste, conserving resources, and combatting climate change. In the Searle Biodiesel Lab, our goal is to operate a zero-waste production process while offering experiential learning opportunities for students.
Biodiesel Program Overview
The Facility
The Searle Biodiesel Lab was built in 2013 to accommodate our growing operations and was officially named in October 2014. The lab is located within the School of Environmental Sustainability’s main building on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus. The space houses our fifth-generation biodiesel processor, methanol recovery system, and soap production equipment. It also contains laboratory space for research and quality testing. View a video tour of the facility here.
Products
The biodiesel program collects used cooking oil from Loyola food service facilities, other universities, local businesses, and institutions such as museums and converts this waste oil into renewable biodiesel fuel. The resulting fuel powers our fleet of campus shuttle buses. The lab team uses byproducts from fuel production to make environmentally friendly soap for campus restrooms and kitchens. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lab also produced hand sanitizer for use on campus.
Quality Control
The Searle Biodiesel Lab includes an extensive chemical analytics research lab that allows our students to test all of our fuel to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. We use industry-standard equipment and peer-reviewed procedures and cross-check our results with an external (third party) lab for accuracy. In the process, students gain hands-on experience with lab instruments and analytical chemistry.
Get Involved
Student Internships
Dedicated Loyola students participate in all aspects of the biodiesel program. Interns help run the lab’s day-to-day operations, working on biodiesel production, oil collection, and waste processing. Students also generate new ideas and lead projects such as new product development, education initiatives, marketing campaigns, and energy efficiency efforts. Internship opportunities are open to undergraduate and graduate students of every level and from every discipline. Visit our jobs and internships page for information about current openings.
Oil Donation
The biodiesel program works with a professional oil collection service, Green Grease Environmental, to collect used deep-fryer oil from local restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities. Bulk oil donations are tax-deductible, and collection is available at no cost. To learn how your business or organization can participate, contact Zach Waickman at zwaickm@luc.edu.
Individuals can drop off used vegetable oil from home cooking at the School of Environmental Sustainability between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Enter at 6349 N. Kenmore Avenue and look for the oil donation sign on the left-hand side as you enter the lobby. Please note that we cannot take solid fats, pan drippings, or petroleum products.
Resources for High School Teachers and Students
The biodiesel program offers a variety of resources to help incorporate environmental literacy into high school education. We use biodiesel as a working example of conservation, energy cycles, and sustainability. Educational resources include:
- Tours
- In-class and video guest speaking
- Support for teachers and students via email or video conferencing
- A mobile biodiesel processor for educational demonstrations
- Biodiesel lab curriculum for high school teachers: Download the Biodiesel Teacher Manual with Student Documents
- Biodiesel production calculator
To learn more about these opportunities, contact Zach Waickman at zwaickm@luc.edu.
The Facility
The Searle Biodiesel Lab was built in 2013 to accommodate our growing operations and was officially named in October 2014. The lab is located within the School of Environmental Sustainability’s main building on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus. The space houses our fifth-generation biodiesel processor, methanol recovery system, and soap production equipment. It also contains laboratory space for research and quality testing. View a video tour of the facility here.
Products
The biodiesel program collects used cooking oil from Loyola food service facilities, other universities, local businesses, and institutions such as museums and converts this waste oil into renewable biodiesel fuel. The resulting fuel powers our fleet of campus shuttle buses. The lab team uses byproducts from fuel production to make environmentally friendly soap for campus restrooms and kitchens. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lab also produced hand sanitizer for use on campus.
Quality Control
The Searle Biodiesel Lab includes an extensive chemical analytics research lab that allows our students to test all of our fuel to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. We use industry-standard equipment and peer-reviewed procedures and cross-check our results with an external (third party) lab for accuracy. In the process, students gain hands-on experience with lab instruments and analytical chemistry.