THE Croft School in Stratford Upon Avon, has received 100% funding for biomass boiler systems. And the little-known ‘Biomass ESCO’ scheme that made it possible means that all of the operation and maintenance of the system is fully taken care of, with the school simply purchasing heat as required.
Officially opened by the Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon, the school’s new biomass system replaces its old oil boilers and will reduce its annual CO2 emissions by 20,000 kg per year. The school says it also provides a valuable educational resources for teaching pupils about sustainable energy.
The school only has to pay only for the boiler’s wood.
This zero-cost-upfront scenario, and the fact that the maintenance is fully taken care of, is thanks to the Forest Fuels ‘Fully Funded’ scheme.
“This is a marvellous addition,” said The Croft School’s Director of Project Development Barney Thornton, “as it has given us the chance to massively reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use.”
The little-known ‘Forest Fuels Biomass ESCO” scheme that The Croft School took advantage of is open to all schools that require replacement boilers for their heat and hot water. For The Croft School it provided all the upfront costs of their new biomass system, including the boiler itself, the system design, its installation, and all planning and development costs.
“We now have a brand new heating system that is operated by Forest Fuels, who take all the responsibility for maintenance, servicing and fuel supply,” added Thornton. “And, as energy costs are a huge consideration for us, it’s reassuring to know that we’ll be using local fuel, rather than having to buy oil or gas from big energy companies that respond to unpredictable world energy prices.”
The Croft School’s biomass boiler generates 700,000 Kwh of heat every year – enough renewable energy to heat around 30 average houses, burning super-efficient wood pellets that are supplied locally by Forest Fuels.
“The Biomass ESCO scheme is a great solution for The Croft School and indeed any school that is looking to replace their old heating systems,” said Peter Solly from Forest Fuels, “because they can do this without worrying about any future issues.
“Schools don’t pay a penny upfront, but receive a modern new boiler, designed precisely for their requirements.” Renewables company Regional Energy carried out the school’s biomass installation for Forest Fuels.
