The Richmond Climate Action Committee is hosting a workshop on pellet heating at the Richmond Free Library on Thursday September 29 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  We’re targeting those who were affected by the flood and need to replace their heating equipment, but anyone interested in pellet stoves, furnaces, and boilers is welcome.

The workshop will include a presentation by Adam Sherman from the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC) on the benefits and challenges to heating with wood pellets. BERC is an independent, national nonprofit organization located inMontpelier, that promotes the use of biomass in a variety of applications.  Adam, who lives in Richmond, is BERC’s wood fuel supply expert.
Also invited to the workshop are wood pellet suppliers and dealers of wood pellet equipment.  Wood pellet boilers can include bulk storage of pellet fuel, which allows for truck delivery and automatic feed exactly like fuel oil equipment.  Wood pellets also have environmental benefits in that the CO2 that comes out of the stack contains carbon that is already in the carbon cycle.  Fossil fuels contain carbon that has not been in the atmosphere for millions of years.  Using wood pellets to heat your home instead of fuel oil or propane is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.   Not only that – pellets cost significantly less than the other fuels so you can save a lot on your fuel costs. We’re also exploring the idea of a group/bulk purchase of the equipment which could reduce the price to buyers.

If your heating equipment was destroyed in the flood or you are thinking about replacing your boiler or furnace for any reason, come to this workshop to see if wood pellets will work for you.

For more information, call or write

Jeff Forward at 434-3770 or  forward@gmavt.net .