By Molly Willard, VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
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Advanced wood heating systems come in many forms. Pellets and chips can be delivered by truck and hose, stored inside or in a bin outside, and fed automatically. The program provides technical experts to evaluate the options for you. |
The Vermont Department Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR), the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) have launched the Vermont Wood Heat Assessment program. With funding from the US Department of Agriculture, the program provides a team of experts who help Vermont business owners and farmers assess how to use an advanced wood heating system (AWH).
AWH systems enable Vermont businesses to cut carbon emissions from fossil fuels and meet Vermont’s renewable energy goals. AWH systems burn wood pellets, chips, and/or cordwood and are efficient and often include automatic fuel feeding from hoppers or bins. Pellets and chips can be delivered via a truck and hose, like heating oil or propane. AWH systems meet air quality regulations and result in no long-term increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, as equal amounts of carbon are recaptured with the re-growth of well-managed forests.
AWH systems create markets and local supply chains for low-grade wood and keep money circulating locally in Vermont’s economy. When we use local wood fuel, 80 cents of every dollar spent on wood stays in Vermont's economy versus 22 cents for fossil fuels. Vermont forests add wood at more than double the harvest rate each year, and therefore, wood for heating is certainly a renewable” resource. The best way to retain our forested landscape in Vermont is to maintain healthy working forests and AWH systems are one piece of the puzzle. AWH systems keep Vermonters warm, reduce our carbon footprint, support the state's GHG reduction goals, and cut Vermonter’s heating bills, all by using a local and abundant resource. “We view advanced wood heating systems as an excellent way to meet Vermont’s heating needs using a truly renewable energy source that also supports local businesses, our rural economy, and keeps our forests healthy and intact,” says Oliver Pierson, FPR’s Director of Forestry.
The Vermont Wood Heat Assessment program will provide a no-charge initial assessment, provide an in-depth feasibility study, and connect you to project assistance and funding for implementation. To request these assessment services, contact Adam Sherman at the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation: Asherman@veic.org or (802) 540-7863.
For questions about the program, contact Molly Willard at the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation by email molly.willard@vermont.gov or phone 802-261-1681.