As companies shift focus to examine environmental impact in a more fulsome way, we have seen emerging trends to pursue cleaner energy sources and renewable power. At Alliance Engineering, we support exploring new opportunities and technologies reducing greenhouse gases.
Biomass boilers are a renewable energy source that does just that. They burn biological plant material (usually wood) and the resulting heat outputted can be used in heating systems. Any excess heat is stored in a thermal tank for later use. On top of the environmental benefits, there are many pros to using biomass boilers for your commercial property, and Alliance has outlined the main considerations.
Low maintenance and ease of integration
Old heating systems come with many inefficiencies. They often require regular maintenance, needing repairs from cracks over time, and can be very costly to continue operating.
Biomass boilers tend to require less maintenance, but need greater attention to ensure they are working correctly. This can include simple visual inspections to check the fuel feed system and lubrication as well as regular emptying of ash bins.
Biomass boilers can function as either a complete replacement for your current boiler system or as an integrated part of your existing gas boiler or electric fire system.
Sourced within Canada
Canada is an ideal country for sourcing biomass material, and with more Federal investment encouraging renewable energy solutions in the forest industry, switching to biomass boilers is easier than ever before. This keeps business within the country, creating jobs for those in these emerging fields and providing greener solutions to benefit Canadians.
Cost savings
A recent case study in B.C. highlights the reduction of heating costs in commercial buildings after moving to this renewable energy source using pellet boilers.
While there is a relatively high upfront cost to purchase and install biomass boilers, there are a number of areas where this energy source reduces costs, making up for the pricier initial purchase. The B.C. school who switched to pellet boilers, for example, reduced utility costs by 48 per cent compared to the previous year with their old heating system. Their heating costs also dropped 15 per cent.
As the Government of Canada moves towards providing more incentives for companies to make their practices more green — and by extension, their workspaces — we see more opportunities for businesses to apply for grants and initiatives that will support them through this change for a more sustainable future.
Reducing fossil fuels in commercial buildings is a growing priority as businesses and institutions look to pursue cleaner energy solutions. Contact Alliance today to discuss the option that’s best for your commercial needs.