Biomass in schools: Guidance and evaluation

This guide and simple calculator tool provides a simple methodology to evaluate the feasibility of biomass (wood heating) for school buildings. It allows users to select equipment and to estimate carbon savings.

DCSF has committed to an evaluation of biomass for all projects within its capital programme. The evaluation methodology, which is spreadsheet-based, provides design teams with an initial assessment of biomass boiler size, cost, energy savings, etc. The accompanying guide describes how the calculator should be used and contains supporting information.

It addresses the main elements that need consideration for a biomass heating project:

fuel type and source
boiler size
storage and delivery requirements, including frequency of delivery
indicative capital costs
boiler operation and maintenance
available service contracts

The guidance is based on decision trees and flow charts to allow users to select equipment and to estimate carbon savings.

Department for Children, Schools and Families, Biomass Evaluation Methodology, October 2007 please click here to download the spreadsheet.

Department for Children, Schools and Families, Companion Guide to the Biomass Evaluation Methodology, October 2007 please click here to download a copy.