| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.09 |
| Liaison | Ann Duong |
| Submission Date | Aug. 20, 2011 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Northern British Columbia
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Danielle
Smyth Green University Project Manager Office of the Provost |
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
In 2009, UNBC installed Canada’s first university-owned wood pellet heating system, which showcases the use of bio-energy as a sustainable, carbon-neutral energy source. With an energy efficiency of over 85%, compared to 75% for the previous natural gas system, the wood pellet system has resulted in a savings of 140 tonnes CO2e/year. Beyond its operational function, the facility serves as a valuable demonstration site for public education, with more than 700 political leaders, industry officials, and community residents visiting during the first year alone.
In 2010, UNBC to expanded its involvement with bioenergy to include a Biomass Gasification System which now provides heat to the core campus buildings and is offsetting about 85% of the previous natural gas consumption. This project was funded by the federal and provincial government and fuel is being provided by a local, family-owned sawmill in Prince George. In addition to being carbon-neutral, the cost of acquiring the sawmill residue is only 35% of the cost of natural gas.
For a video desbribing the project visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4a7-AhaFYg&feature=player_embedded
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.