jock, do you know where the self-sustaining willow forest is? Is it on the campus or nearby? I would be so curious to know how that works. Willows are such a particular emotion laden metaphorical tree, its wonderful to think of it repurposed for energy/fuel.

Jane,

Typically a fast growing willow variant is planted for this purpose. It is harvested about every three years.

Unfortunately, the willow wood chips are so wet that they make very poor fuel.

Jock

well so much for the poetic metaphors…

I reread the article in more depth. Middlebury is really an innovative place. Did you get a chance to read Bill’s post on the site a few days ago. I’m going to try to organize an action at Massart. so much to do…

Jane,

Yes. I did read Bill’s item. We are working with his associate Jon Isham and perhaps some of Jon’s student’s next term.

You may also want to read the lead editorial in today’s Burlington Free Press:

www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070121/OPINION/701210329/1006/

“Time running out to make hard choices on global warming

Published: Sunday, January 21, 2007

It comes down to this: What are you willing to do to reduce global warming?

There’s a growing consensus that we have to do something to slow climate change, and that Vermont can take the lead in a global effort that will have an impact that far exceeds any reduction in greenhouse gas emissions the state might achieve.

Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute repeated to state lawmakers during hearings on global warming the conservationist mantra: “Saving energy is cheaper than buying it.” Reducing energy use usually means a trade-off. We either give up something — time, money or some other precious commodity — or find different ways of doing things.

A hybrid car costs more than a conventional vehicle. A new car pollutes less than an old one. Can you afford it?

Reducing the use of fossil fuels to generate power might mean giving over a ridgeline for a wind farm, or a river for a hydroelectric dam. Which mountaintop gets the 400-foot wind tower, or which salmon run is blocked?

State land-use and development-control laws can be amended to include an energy-use component. Can we stomach adding yet another criterion to Act 250?

Part of the answer to this dilemma has to come from innovation, looking at the problem in a different light, even if it’s from an individual’s standpoint. It might mean rethinking the work schedule to make it possible to car pool or ride the bus. It might mean putting solar power into the mix when building a new house. People are already putting other ideas — developing new technology and adapting existing ones — to work in Vermont: electricity from landfills and cow manure; truck diesel from canola oil; heating buildings using grass pellets.

So the answer to climate change will come from a combination of sacrifice and innovation.”

— snip

Jock

Jock, from where does Middlebury plan to get their pellets?

Robert,

Middlebury College has not announced that yet. My company, Biomass Commodities Corporation, has proposed a pellet fuel solution that would serve both the College and a number of other businesses in Middlebury and Addison County.

Today, BCC, working with Feed Commodities, New England Wood Pellet in NH, and other suppliers, is able to provide as many tons of biofuel pellets, in bulk, as might be required at this stage in Addison County.

I expect to have a good deal more to say on this topic with a few months.

Jock

about those willow trees…has anyone asked them if they wish to participate?