A local woodworking shop, "Mark Richey Woodworking" was honored with a national award for its efforts in pollution prevention and energy efficiency. The 130,000 sq ft shop in Newburyport MA.  which specializes in high end architectural woodworking, heats the shop using a biomass boiler that burns waste sawdust and wood chips from the production floor. They have also invested in solar arrays and a wind turbine which produce almost 100% of the power needed to operate the company, and the company has reduced organic compounds by 12 tons due to investments in a solvent recycling unit, an ultrasonic spray gun cleaner, a robotic spray line and the use of water-based coatings Richie said, if we can do it, other companies can too. 

Nice to know that a local woodworking shop is doing well.

Well, I got an award also myself. I don't use ANY energy heating my shop in the winter anymore......

 

In return I buy myself more goodies with the savings. Oh , and I also wear more clothing!!

That is not a small shop...that must be one huge boiler. I agree...good to see a small business doing well.

I use propane that God made for me. And have 9” thick walls. 

It's great that businesses are turning green. Congrats to The Mark Richey co.

All propane for heat here, too. But, we use the heck outta the electricity. My sawdust enriches the surrounding desert. And, for much of the year, the shop and house is passively heated and, very well, thanks to the AZ sun. 

Were not green....more like ecru.

Edited November 1, 20178 yr by Gene Howe

Yes and no. They were going to try burning wood scraps at work. After looking into it, the EPA said no.

I think there is more to it than Biomass heat. It may be the state for which you want use it....But I ,will take the time to forward the website and see if  Biomass was discussed...

 

Just separating wood from  trash with metal will  save the company 40k a year.

I spent a few years as a millwork installer in the Boston area and installed a lot of their product. As well as being a very energy conscious company they turn out a first class product.

On 11/1/2017 at 4:53 PM, BillyJack said:

Yes and no. They were going to try burning wood scraps at work. After looking into it, the EPA said no.

 

I suspect there may have been more to it than just protecting the environment, possibly protecting the local energy suppliers as well.  Depending on where you are located of course.