Our Co-op:
The Biodiesel Co-op of Kalamazoo (BCK) is an ongoing project of Western Michigan University. Its goals are to increase awareness of biofuels in Southwest Michigan, produce biodiesel, and conduct research on the use of new production techniques and feedstocks. BCK currently uses 100% recycled feedstock and is actively looking for new sources. We have a strong commitment to waste vegetable oil (WVO) and are experimenting with pharmaceutical waste, trap grease, and other waste streams.
The mission of BCK is to find or create a sustainable, closed loop, decentralized method for producing biofuels. The co-operative structure is in place to encourage an open dialogue between members and a community oriented approach to the research and production we do.
Cooperative Involvement:
Because of BCK’s role at Western Michigan University there can be no owners of the co-op. However, every member has a right to the knowledge, experience, and equipment we use. Whether you are just curious about biofuels or a seasoned home brewer we would like to offer you all we have to give. As a research cooperative the resource we share is information. We feel strongly that dozens of heads are far better than one.
Membership:
BCK is a registered student organization of Western Michigan University. Beginning in the fall of 2006, membership will be open to anyone interested, including non-students. There are no membership dues, and membership is determined by volunteer hours worked each month. Members will have access to BCK equipment to produce biodiesel. To be counted as a volunteer you must work a minimum of 8 hours per month in the lab or on projects approved by the co-op manager.
History:
BCK started in 2004 as an extracurricular project of Steven Bertman and Marc Perkovic, both chemistry professors at W.M.U. Steve and Marc home brewed biodiesel and traveled to classrooms, festivals, and informal gatherings for a year before Steve made the acquaintance of Matt Hollander and Casey McKenzie. Along with the help of these students Steve and Marc began building up a biodiesel lab in McCracken Hall, a decrepit building on the main campus of W.M.U. Over the course of another year many other students became involved, creating a steady pool of labor to make fuel for Steve’s VW Jetta TDI. In the Spring of 2006 Dr. Bertman and Dr. Perkovic, along with Dr. Sarah Hill, an anthropologist, were awarded the W.M.U. President’s Innovation Fund for a project called Bronco Biodiesel. Tragically, a month later Marc Perkovic died unexpectedly during heart surgery.
Bronco Biodiesel is currently working towards the establishment of a biodiesel plant in Kalamazoo’s wastewater treatment facility. BCK’s research is partially funded by the project and much of the work done is directly linked.