Biomass Boiler Facility - School in Darby , MT

Utilization of woody biomass to generate heat for community buildings and small industrial process applications is a commercially proven strategy.  Boiler technologies at schools, hospitals, casinos, other large buildings and industrial facilities that require process heat can dramatically reduce energy costs, foster the use of renewable energy, promote local economic development in rural communities, support green building initiatives, help reduce uncharacteristic buildups of forest fuels, and sustain small community-based forest products businesses.  Community-based renewable energy projects keeps energy spending dollars within the local community and can provide other community economic benefits as well.

Woody Biomass Heat Workshop

Along with key partners, Sustainable Northwest recently helped convene a workshop entitled, Woody Biomass Heat: Making It Work for Communities.  The workshop was an immense success, attracting over 125 participants and highlighting two wood heat projects in Oregon:  The Enterprise School and the Harney County Hospital.

Enterprise School Video

A product of the Woody Biomass Heat workshop was a 12 minute video featuring the Enterprise School project.  This video discusses the details of replacing a heating oil boiler in the school with a woody biomass boiler.  Due to rising heating oil costs, the school is projected to save over $110,000 annually on energy costs!