If you heat your home with oil in New Jersey, you’re already part of a cleaner-energy story and it’s only getting better.
Bioheat® fuel is reducing carbon emissions right now, and it’s paving the way toward B100, an all-biodiesel home heating fuel that supports the industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. For homeowners across the Garden State, from Bergen County to Cape May, that means reliable warmth with a steadily shrinking carbon footprint.
In 2019, heating oil industry leaders adopted the Providence Resolution, a landmark commitment to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 15% by 2023, 40% by 2030, and reach net-zero by 2050.
When researchers measured the industry’s progress, the results exceeded expectations. A study led by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) found that emissions were reduced by nearly 26%, far surpassing the original 15% goal.*
That progress wasn’t accidental. It reflects:
The next step? Expanding the use of B100, a fuel made entirely from renewable biodiesel.
Bioheat fuel blends ultra-low sulfur heating oil with biodiesel made from renewable organic materials. These materials, called feedstocks, include:
Because these resources are renewable and biodegradable, Bioheat fuel supports domestic energy production while lowering lifecycle carbon emissions.
You may see biodiesel blends described with a “B” number:
Many New Jersey homes are already using blended Bioheat fuel, and equipment manufacturers now certify burners and systems for blends up to B100. That means the transition to higher blends can happen without disruptive equipment changes.
New Jersey homeowners know how unpredictable winters can be. One week it’s mild; the next brings icy coastal winds or snowstorms rolling in from the northwest. Reliable heat isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Bioheat fuel burns cleaner than traditional heating oil, which helps systems reduce maintenance issues associated with sulfur buildup. Today’s heating systems commonly achieve efficiency ratings of 85% or higher. As higher Bioheat blends become more widespread, super-high-efficiency systems reaching 90% and beyond are entering the market.
For homeowners, that translates to:
Cleaner combustion also means reduced emissions at the household level. That’s an important consideration in a densely populated state like New Jersey, where air quality and environmental protection are ongoing priorities.
It’s important to understand that not all biofuels are the same.
“Biofuel” is a broad category that can include ethanol, renewable diesel, raw vegetable oil (RVO), and biodiesel. Bioheat fuel specifically uses biodiesel that meets strict industry standards.
Raw vegetable oil does not meet these specifications and is not suitable for use in home heating systems. Bioheat fuel, by contrast, is assessed and approved under ASTM performance standards, ensuring safe and consistent performance in residential equipment.
One of the biggest advantages of Bioheat fuel is its compatibility. Most major heating system manufacturers accept approved biodiesel blends under their warranties. In most cases, homeowners do not need to modify their furnace, boiler, or storage tank to begin using Bioheat fuel.
That makes reducing your carbon footprint as simple as choosing a cleaner fuel blend from your local heating oil provider.
The shift toward B100 represents a practical, step-by-step pathway to decarbonizing home heating without sacrificing comfort, reliability, or affordability.
Rather than requiring homeowners to replace entire heating systems, Bioheat fuel allows New Jersey families to lower emissions using the equipment they already own. As biodiesel production expands and higher blends become standard, emissions will continue to decline, bringing the industry closer to its net-zero target.
For New Jersey residents who stay warm with heating oil, that’s good news. You can stay warm through the coldest months while supporting cleaner air, American jobs, and a more sustainable energy future.
If you’d like to learn more about the Bioheat blends available in your area, contact your local New Jersey heating oil provider.