Envirofit International
Commonly used to power taxis throughout cities in Asia, two-stroke engines are one of the largest sources of vehicular emissions in the world. The ADB estimates that there are nearly 100 million two-stroke vehicles in Southeast Asia -- each producing approximately 50 times the pollution of a modern automobile. For the past three years, Envirofit has engaged in extensive field testing of a direct injection (DI) retrofit kit for tricycle taxi's in the Philippines. In coordination with market development work, Envirofit and has recently commercialized kit to sell in this market. Envirofit?s two-stroke DI retrofit kit reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 76%, carbon dioxide emissions by 35%, and hydrocarbon emissions by 89%. At the same time, fuel consumption is reduced by 35% and oil consumption by 50%. An initial pilot project is underway to retrofit the entire fleet of tricycle taxi's in the Philippine cities of Vigan and Puerto Princesa which are both home to UNESCO world heratige sites. In addition to simply retrofitting the engines, the project also carry a strong capacity development component. Envirofit has joined with local partners to establish self-sustaining businesses which will continue to educate drivers and technicians, install and service retrofit kits beyond 2009.
Envirofit?s mission is to bring environmentally friendly technologies to the developing world. In particular, we focus on chronic environmental problems, such as air pollution. We design appropriate technologies and appropriate business models to attack these problems. Our goal is environmentally beneficial products that pay for themselves. We want our customers to make money with our products, and we want to make money too. Envirofit's model creates a triple-bottom-line benefit -- incomes are increased, environmental health impacts and toxic emissions are reduced, and jobs are created -- in the countries of implementation. Past solutions have largley been centerd around 4-stroke vehicle replacement. This option is expensive and carries relatively limited emissions improvement. Additionally, when a two-stroke is replaced by four-stroke, the two-stroke is not likely to be destroyed; but rather transferred to a region with less stringent regulations where it will continue to pollute.
Individuals - The typical Filipino taxi driver makes $3-5 USD per day, and Envirofit?s product allows a fuel/oil savings (thus additional income) of about $1.50 USD per day or about $470 annually. The retrofit kit costs approximately $350 USD; using our innovative financing mechanisms, the cost is reduced to $.40-.75/day, making the daily savings for these customers net positive, even after they pay off their loan. Society - The Philippines is home to approximately 1.8 million two-stroke motorcycles and tricycles. The World Health Organization estimates that, in the four largest cites of the Philippines, particulate emissions produce 2000 premature deaths each year and impose an annual economic burden of $430 million per year . In BOP markets, being too sick to work can a significat impact on a families' living situation as well as overall societial contribution. Improved health as a benefit this project is expected to resonate throughout the communities of implimentation, effectively reaching as many as 500,000 people The Economy - The cumulative value of adding $1.50 to the daily income some of the worlds poorest entrepreneurs is tremendous. For instance, converting 500,000 units in the Philippines would infuse nearly $150 million into the local economy over the next 5 years. For the case of this project, 4000 tricycles will cause a local economic boost of almost $7 million USD. In additionally, local manufacturing is used for many of the retrofit components, which will continue to increase as in-country volumes enable expansion. Installation centers will also be established which will be locally owned and self-sustaining businesses. These centers will also employ technicians and staff who are trained and certified by Envirofit on installation and post-sales service work.The Environment - For every retrofit installed, 1 tonne per year of CO2 is reduced in addtion to the large ammounts of pollutants (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, etc.). Nearly 120 gallons of fuel and 20 gallons of two-stroke oil are also saved. A typical unit can run for 15-20 years. Converting 10 million units over 10 years would reduce hydrocarbons by 3.5 million tonnes, CO2 by 35 million tonnes, and gasoline by 4.3 billion gallons of fuel.
Successfully initiating this project has required the collaboration of diverse set of organizations. Academic institiutions of Colorado State University and Don Bosco Technical College in Manila helped develop and support initial implimentation. The Local Government Units (LUG's) of Vigan and Puerto Princesa have been instrumental proponents by supporting clean technologies with legislation. Industrial partnerships are critical in driving the product's price point, and without this buy-in, government subsidy would likely be required. The issue of 'corporate responsibility' has yet to be tapped, however with certain engine manufacturers could prove to play a key role in meeting Envirofit expansion goals. Finally, international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities, are benificial partners and help ensure that policy makers are supported necessary data.
Prior to this retrofit project, tricycle drivers were under the mis-conception that if their vehicle was smoking, it was making more power than if it wasn't smoking. We are making progress through education and example that a two-stroke motorcycle can be both clean and powerful. This key project benefit has impact in all four aspects (individuals / society / the economy / and the environemnt). Individuals - an individual perspective, this project allows a significant increase in personal income. The result is that the driver feels like 'being green' pays.Society - Making it 'cool' to use a clean energy product is the easiest way to mainstream. Envirofit's PR is geared around this premise. The retrofit kit looks sharp and somewhat 'custom', and excites drivers that they are upgrading and personalizing their vehicle which is alread a uniqe expression of who they are.The Economy - Bottom line is that the economy benefits significantly (as per discussion above) - this make it pay to use clean energy technology and helps the mainstream process.The Environment - The emissions reductions make carbon credits a lucrative tool. Again, having an emissions benefit that pays will be a primary / driving factor in mainstreeming clean technologies.
Ecologocal - The emissions benefits are significant. In retrofitting a dirty two-stroke, you are perminantly addressing the root cause of a percentage of the world's pollution. Social - The project provides a lasting effect on people's health and well-being. Envirofit also continues to develop local capacity in installation partners, technicians, and through educational outreach programs. Economic - Cumulative economic savings will play a lasting role in local economies. Carbon credits can help finaince efforts, accelerating the rate to sustainability.
This project decreases petroleum usage and reduces emissoins for potentially every two-stroke engine sold and used on the planet. By combining strong financial returns while improving air quality, this project leverages clean energy into the developing world.