Heating in Alignment with Your Values

Across the region, consumers are increasingly utilizing their purchasing power to advance climate solutions and strengthen the local economy. Hear from three individuals who utilize modern wood heat for its environmental and economic benefits to heat their home, business, and organization.

In the Northern Forest Center’s latest series, From Woods to Warmth, we join individuals across Vermont to understand why they chose modern wood heat. From a single home residence to a nationally recognized museum and beyond, modern wood heat is a fuel source that you can feel good about.

Local Economy

Anni Mackay and her husband Doon Hinderyckx are the owners of and visionaries behind BigTown Vermont, a collection of three small businesses bridging accommodation, recreation, and culture. The dream was born decades ago with the establishment of Green Mountain Bikes (est. 1987) still in operation today, alongside BigTown Gallery (est. 2003) and The Stable Inn (est. 2022).

Located on the edge of the Green Mountain National Forest, Anni and Doon connect visitors with miles of trails and work to bring the outdoors into The Stable Inn. Wood pellet boilers for heat and hot water, solar for electricity, and heat pumps for cooling and shoulder season heat are all technologies that reflect their commitment to sustainability. Additionally, by sourcing their wood pellets within 100 miles, they are supporting local foresters, loggers, truckers, and manufacturers.

When consumers switch from fossil heating fuels to locally produced wood pellets or chips, they are reinvesting in their local economy. In Vermont, for every dollar spent on wood fuels, 80 cents stays circulating in the local economy. That figure drops to 54 cents for propane and 16 cents for fuel oil.

Watch Anni’s Story

Environmental Education

Seated on 110 acres of forestland along the Connecticut River, the Montshire Musuem of Science is a hands-on museum boasting 150 exhibits on nature, technology, astronomy, and the physical sciences. In alignment with their values, the museum switched from oil to modern wood heat for it cost savings and impact on the local economy.

Six heating seasons in, the Montshire Museum has routinely saved $10,000-12,000 each year on its heating bills, enabling them to put more money into what matters most. Gary Collins, Facilities Director, explains that the museum utilizes all its systems as educational tools for its visitors.

Watch Montshire Museum’s Story

Carbon Emissions

Susan Howard is a horticulturalist by trade. When the time came to upgrade her old heating system, efficiency and sustainability were at the forefront of her mind. Now, a wood pellet boiler heats both her home and greenhouse, providing her with a consistent and comfortable heat without the hassle of hauling cord wood. “The house doesn’t dry out like it used to. I don’t get any smoke residue or smell. It’s consistent. It’s a feel good heat,” explains Susan.

Susan utilizes the ash to feed her compost and rests easy knowing modern wood heat is an earth-friendly fuel. Upon switching from fossil heating fuels to efficient, whole-house modern wood heating, consumers instantly reduce their carbon emissions by 54% versus oil and 59% versus natural gas.

Watch Susan’s Story

Explore the rest of the series and more at feelgoodheat.org. Want to hear from others? Check out these case studies to learn how modern wood heat helps homeowners save money, contribute to climate solutions, and strengthen the local economy.

The Carbon Accounting of Modern Wood Heat

January 17, 12:00-1:30 PM

Join the Northern Forest Center and Alliance for Green Heat for a discussion on carbon emissions and modern wood heat systems. We will be joined by researchers studying this question and will dive into what several life cycle assessments tell us about the climate impacts of modern wood heat, from the forest to the flame.