Low Sulphur Fuels Procurement Guide

Environment Canada and Friends of the Earth have jointly produced a guide to help municipal, provincial, and federal governments and other organisations take leadership by procuring low sulphur fuels (LSFs) where available and feasible. The Low Sulphur Fuels Procurement Guide, released at the 2003 Toronto Smog Summit, contains guidance, case studies and other information to promote the early introduction of cleaner fuels.

The guide complements the 10-year Federal Agenda on Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels (2001), an integral part of the Government of Canada's Clean Air Agenda.

The use of fuels with a low level of sulphur, in conjunction with the use of cleaner exhaust emission control systems, benefits the environment and human health by limiting the release of pollutants that contribute to the formation of acid rain and urban smog.

The guide consists of an overview of the environmental and health impacts of sulphur in fuels; a description of the benefits of using LSFs; information on regulations and standards for sulphur content in fuels; case studies of the successful implementation of LSF initiatives; and considerations for developing a successful LSF procurement strategy. The accompanying fact sheets provide material managers with additional information on the LSF procurement process.

We are interested in your feedback on this initiative, suggestions for the development of additional fact sheets, and in learning about any case studies on LSF procurement that can be featured on our website. Comments and case studies can be submitted to: ogeb@ec.gc.ca

Oil, Gas and Energy Branch
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd.
Gatineau, Québec
K1A 0H3

• LSF Procurement Guide (HTML, 37 KB) (PDF, 386 KB)
• LSF factsheet (HTML, 16 KB) (PDF, 254 KB)
• Friends of the Earth
• Low Sulphur Diesel and Transit Bus Retrofits: Lessons Learned by the Region of Waterloo (HTML) (PDF, 2.4 MB)
• Improve Air Quality: Reduce Emissions from Diesel-Fuelled Buses (HTML) (PDF, 2.4 MB)