Reducing our ecological footprint
… and our costs

In its first year the Findhorn Foundation’s efficient new biomass boiler saved £15,000 in fuel costs and reduced our carbon emissions by about 80 tonnes. Installed towards the end of 2010, the 250kW biomass boiler is fuelled by waste wood chips from a sawmill just 10 miles away. It replaced gas and oil-burning units in the Universal Hall, Community Centre, Park Building, laundry and eight residential bungalows in the heart of The Park. The boiler also supplies hot water to the popular outdoor hot tub, made from recycled whisky barrels, which previously depended on electricity for heating. We expect it to have a useful working life of around 20 years.

This natural and essential progression has helped us feel much better about our carbon footprint and our international reputation as an ecovillage. We are keen to share our experience with other community groups, as one way of showing gratitude for the support we have received along the way.

Harula Ladd and Graham Meltzer