Post on 31-Mar-2015
St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts
Berlin, New HampshireReal Project Case Study
Northeast Biomass Heating ExpoApril 4, 2013
Presented By :
Joan
ChamberlainExecutive
Director
St. Kieran Community Center for the ArtsFacility Information
Located in Berlin, New Hampshire 19th century Irish Catholic church, converted to an Arts
Center in 2000 Approximately 6,000 ft2
Previously heated using fuel oil boilers and steam radiators Converted to hot water distribution and wood pellet boilers in
Fall 2012
St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts
Biomass System Information
Two 191,000 Btu/Hour wood pellet boilers
300 gallons of hot water thermal storage
Two 6 ton flexible wood pellet storage bags
St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts
Project at a Glance Funding
NCRC&D / WERC Grant $80,020 Berlin Better Buildings $38,862 Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire $31,090 Northern Forest Center $10,000
Benefits Project Savings: $10,600 annual energy savings + over $100,000 in
avoided costs Energy Profile (annual): > 5,000 gal #2 offset ($19,000) 35 tons of wood pellets used ($8,400) >25 Tonne Net CO2 Reduction
St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts
Lessons Learned What we did right:
Biomass Heating is “cutting edge” for rural communities, with a learning curve for all involved. It is important to ask clarifying questions and develop a team approach in all phases of project.
Importance of an on-site Project Manager responsible for communications with funders, Board of Directors, Facilities Committee and Contractors.
Leveraged investments in the Biomass Heating System to attract funding for
an additional $44,000 to insulate the building, increasing efficiency even more.
What we could have done better: More attention given to system balancing, on-site follow-up, and training
once system went operational for the winter season. BIGGEST “Why didn’t we think of that?” : Installed height of boiler air
intake pipes & wood pellet delivery pipes too low for North/Eves side of building without pipe extensions or protective roofs during North Country snow season!
St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts