The Hotchkiss school in Connecticut has reduced their six-figure winter energy bill with a few big changes. First they removed their oil-burning boiler with a woodchip biomass power plant. Not only does this save them big money but it also drops their carbon footprint by 35 to 45 percent.
These biomass burners use locally sourced woodchips from FSC-certified forests and have an electrostatic precipitator that removes 95 percent of the particulates from the emissions. This makes sense on all levels; less cost, cleaner burning, and a renewable energy source.
"The building is slated for LEED certification for conservation features that include a renewable, laminated wood structural system; water-conserving plumbing fixtures; use of local materials with a high recycled content; an abundance of daylight inside; and highly efficient mechanical systems, lighting, and exterior skin."
[Via]