Project Details
The Bioenergy Plant began heating buildings on campus in March 2011. Approximately 4,100 tons of hog fuel were used in 2012, producing 62,000 gigajoules of energy, and offsetting close to 90% of UNBC’s fossil fuel consumption.
A number of design and construction initiatives improved the project’s LEED ranking, namely: designing the building footprint to reduce the construction site size; reducing negative impacts on water and air quality using erosion control strategies; achieving high levels of indoor environmental quality pre- and post-occupancy by flushing the building with 100% fresh air prior to occupancy, installing low-emitting materials and finishes, providing various means of light, airflow and temperature controllability and providing ample daylight and views; minimizing light pollution by eliminating up-lighting and controlling light spillage; and reducing the “heat island” effect by using light-coloured roofing materials.
