Fuels for Schools and Beyond is an innovative program to help public schools and other public facilities reduce their heating costs while increasing forest health. This goal is achieved by promoting use of biomass heating systems that can burn waste wood from fuels reduction projects in nearby forests.
How the Program Works:
- Dense, unhealthy forests are thinned to reduce fire danger.
- Un-merchantable woody biomass (small diameter trees, slash, mill waste, urban tree trimmings, etc.) is chipped and hauled to buildings with biomass systems using local contractors.
- Wood chips are used as fuel in efficient burning systems that lower heating costs and produce a fraction of the emissions of an open burn.
- The fuel savings can be redirected back into more productive uses, such as teachers and supplies.
Motivating factors for facilities to convert to a biomass heating system include:
- Lower, less volatile future fuel costs.
- Purchase fuel locally.
- Support local forest products industry.
- Create market for non-merchantable timber.
- Reduce fire hazard and ecosystem risks.
- Renewable, sustainable fuel source.
- Science and technology teaching tool for schools.
Conversions to biomass-fueled systems are most viable when:
- Currently used fuels are significantly more expensive than wood.
- The facility has a large and sustained demand for space heat / hot water.
- Biomass systems can be integrated into new construction or existing heating systems are scheduled for replacement.
- There is a compatible heat distribution system.
- There is space for chip storage and delivery.
- There is available, reliable supply and suppliers in the area.
For more information, you can visit the Fuels For Schools website or contact Geoff McNaughton, Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands, 1594 W North Temple, Suite 3520, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5703, 801-538-5460, geoffmcnaughton@utah.gov
Fuels for Schools powerpoint presentation converted to a PDF file. (33.9 M)
Boiler Assessment Document - PDF (1.2 M)
You need the free Adobe Reader to view PDF files.
If you are interested in the possibility of implementing a biomass heating system in your school or public facility please complete a Pre-feasibility Assessment Form (MS Word) and mail or fax to:
Geoff McNaughton
Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands
1594 W North Temple, Suite 3520
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-5703
801-538-5460 phone
801-533-4111 fax
geoffmcnaughton@utah.gov