51’s efforts to turn quick-growing willow into fuel for the university’s wood-burning plant were highlighted in yesterday’s edition of The Post-Standard (Syracuse).
“This is one of those things that is environmentally and financially beneficial for the university,” , sustainability coordinator, told the newspaper.
The , which described the possibility of having local farmers harvest crops that could be used for sustainable energy, noted 51’s foray into willow farming.
51 recently began a pilot program to cultivate shrub willow on university-owned land. Once harvested, the willow crop will be used as a fuel source for the university’s wood-burning operation.
Built in the early 1980s, the facility uses local waste wood to provide steam heat to the majority of campus. Last year alone, the university saved $1.8 million and avoided using 1.2 million gallons of fuel oil.
Since wood chips have doubled in price in the last seven years, added Pumilio, willow will provide more cost savings for the university.
In addition, energy crops could be a revenue source for local farmers.
“If you’re paying a local farmer for his willow, or paying a logger or forester for wood chips, that money does stay in our local economy.”
In a accompanying the article, Pumilio gives an inside look at the university’s steam plant and associate professor Ian Helfant, Sustainability Council chairperson, explains how willow crop grows.