Vermont Fuels For Schools
Vermont Fuels For Schools
Vermont Fuels For Schools (VFFS) is a statewide renewable energy-use initiative that promotes and encourages the use of a renewable, local natural resource to provide reliable heat for Vermont schools. The goal is to provide schools with the information and support they need to evaluate and successfully implement woodchip and other biomass heating systems that replace expensive fossil fuels with locally produced wood fuels.
Proven Technology
Biomass heating is a proven technology in schools and has been used in a growing number of them for more than 20 years—with woodchip prices increasing less than one percent per year over that time. Today, nearly 20 percent of public school students attend a wood-heated school, with several more schools to be added this year.
In areas with strong forest resources, biomass heating offers these advantages:
- Biomass is a renewable, local resource with a history of stable pricing.
- Modern biomass systems are clean-burning—far cleaner than wood stoves. (See Emissions and Air Quality)
- Replacing fossil fuel systems with biomass heat makes a positive contribution to reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. (See Climate Change)
- Money spent on biomass stays in the local economy, and helps create jobs. (See Economic Development)
VFFS Partnership
VFFS is a collaboration among BERC, the Vermont Superintendents Association's School Energy Management Program (SEMP), and three state agencies: the Vermont Department of Education; the Vermont Department of Public Service; and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
System Affordability
BERC's experience is that biomass systems can work well in many larger schools, and especially in states that offer construction aid to local schools. Since 2001, BERC and its Fuels For Schools partners have played a key role as Vermont has pioneered the use of automated biomass heating systems in public schools. BERC is also exploring the prospects for less expensive, semi-automated systems. Requiring regular loading of the fuel bin by tractor, these systems are more affordable for many smaller schools.
Beyond Vermont
In five Western states, BERC is working with the "Fuels For Schools" project of the U.S. Forest Service. The aim is to encourage school biomass systems, which can burn small-diameter waste wood that must be culled to reduce forest-fire danger and improve the health of commercial timber.
In addition to automated woodchip heating systems, "Green Schools" is a nationwide, multi-partner initiative to promote the use of environmentally friendly technologies by schools. BERC advocates that here, too, biomass energy is a natural fit.
For more information on Vermont Fuels For Schools, please see:
Vermont Fuels For Schools Factsheet
Vermont Fuels For Schools Brochure
Locations of Vermont Schools Using Woodchip Heating