From left to right: Nils Clarke, Yukon’s minister for highways and public works and environment, joined by Jonathan Osborne, Capital Planning’s project manager, and Tony Lam, manager of the energy management unit for the ministry of highways and public works, answered questions during a tour on May 24.Whitehorse, YK — An elementary school in the Yukon installs a new biomass heating system to lower its carbon production. According to a report by the territorial government, Elijah Smith Elementary School, located in Whitehorse, expects the new system to help offset 180 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year – the equivalent of 65,000 litres of heating oil.
Clarke holds up some pellets in what looks like a grain silo. This is the reservoir for biomass fuel.“Our government is committed to reducing our carbon footprint. Through projects like the Elijah Smith Elementary School biomass system, we are taking concrete action to achieve our emissions-reduction goals and supporting a strong, sustainable environment for future generations,” said Nils Clarke, minister of highways and public works for the Yukon.
Biomass heat is created by burning organic matter like wood.
The $2.3 million project contract was awarded to Budget Plumbing and Heating in the fall of 2021. Budget Plumbing and Heating will also be responsible for operating and maintaining the system through a “build-maintain-operate” model.
One little innovation was building access doors in the system for easier cleaning. Easier access will allow crews to clear sawdust and maintain the system long-term.This approach was developed through consultation with local industry and will create economic benefits by providing local operators with additional opportunities to support and service public infrastructure.
Yukon’s Action H17 is part of its Our Clean Future strategy, which directs Highways and Public Works to install renewable heat sources in government buildings.
It also meets the government’s “goal area 2,” which involves “undertaking energy efficiency retrofits and installing renewable heating systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the government of Yukon buildings.”