Eco-friendly heating in schools

The Ministry of Education is replacing coal boilers in schools so they run on lower carbon-emitting solutions. So what’s replacing them?

Coal boilers in New Zealand public schools are readily being replaced by renewable woody biomass or electric heating sources, under the Ministry of Education Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga (the Ministry) School Coal Boiler Replacement Programme.

According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the removal of all remaining coal boilers in public schools is expected to reduce state sector carbon emissions by around 89,000 tonnes over 10 years. The initiative is part of a $12 billion infrastructure investment package, including a $200 million State Sector Decarbonisation Programme to reduce state sector emissions. When the programme was announced in 2019, there were about 150 coal boilers in schools. As of 26 January last year, 42 boilers had been replaced through the programme.

Depending on a number of factors – including each school’s location, the availability of resources in the location, specific features of the site, and whether the school has already started to transition away from coal to another type of low-emissions heating – four replacement solutions are recommended:

• Converting the existing boiler: For the most straightforward projects, new wood pellet or chip boilers can be fitted into a school’s existing infrastructure. This can be favourable if the existing boiler is not yet towards the end of its life, and the storage and fuel set-up is suitable.

• Containerised boilers: For larger schools, a containerised boiler that runs on either wood pellets or wood chips can be favourable if the existing infrastructure is unsuitable, and there is access to wood pellet/chip supply in the area.

• Air-to-water heat pumps: Air-water heat pumps can be favourable when there is limited space, there is sufficient electricity supply, and the hydronic system is in good condition.

• Air-to-air heat pumps: In a school with lower heating requirements, this option may be used if there is sufficient power to the school and the hydronic system is in poor condition.

Tubman Heating provides a range of containerised wood pellet boilers, with ÖkoFEN pellet boilers recently installed at two schools.

Coromandel Area School

The installation of an ÖkoFEN 128 kW pellet boiler in the plant room at Coromandel Area School, along with another 128kW pellet boiler in a container outside the boiler room, marked a significant milestone in their journey to reduce carbon emissions.

With its advanced technology and efficient performance, the boiler seamlessly integrated into the school’s heating system, providing consistent warmth while minimising environmental impact.

James Cook School

The ÖkoFEN 128 kW pellet boiler was also the right choice for Marton’s James Cook School. Embracing the opportunity to make a positive environmental impact through the adoption of pellet boilers, the installation of the system was met with enthusiasm from the school community.

Tubman Heating also previously installed wood pellet boilers at Paeroa School, Mercury Bay School and Miller Avenue School as part of the programme.

The impact and benefit of wood pellet boilers

The installation of pellet boilers at these schools signifies more than just a transition in heating technology – it represents a commitment to sustainability and a greener future. By phasing out coal and embracing renewable energy sources, schools play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.

The shift towards pellet boilers also offers tangible benefits including improved air quality, reduced operating costs, and educational opportunities for students to learn about environmental stewardship.