Liberal bill would require considering wood heat for N.S. public buildings

The Liberal Party’s proposed Wood Chip Heating Systems in Public Buildings Act aims to create new markets for the forestry industry in Nova Scotia while reducing dependence on oil for heating public buildings. The bill, tabled by Liberal House leader Iain Rankin, would require government officials to consider wood heat systems in all new public buildings or major retrofits, including schools and hospitals.

Rankin highlighted the multiple benefits of the initiative, stating that using wood heat is a renewable resource, could save costs due to volatile oil prices, and create economic advantages for rural communities. The bill is inspired by the 2018 Lahey report on sustainable forestry practices, which emphasized the use of efficient wood heat to create markets for wood chips and low-grade forestry byproducts.

Rankin, a former lands and forestry minister, noted the potential for converting existing public buildings to wood heat. However, he expressed concern that there is less interest in utilizing wood heat since the change in government in 2021. He called on Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton to promote ecological forestry and economic development for rural communities through championing the use of wood heat.

Rushton expressed interest in exploring new markets for low-grade wood and chips, citing ongoing assessments for a new pulp mill and the potential for sustainable aviation fuel using biomass. Rankin’s bill coincides with a report from TorchLight Bioresources advocating for biomass combined heat and power plants with district heating networks throughout the province.

These plants would utilize low-grade wood products and byproducts from ecological forestry to generate electricity for the grid and heat for homes and buildings. The model, common in countries like Denmark and Sweden, aims to drive decarbonization and reduce heating costs in Nova Scotia. While the establishment of these systems may require significant investment, financing options through pension funds and private-sector equity investment are viable.

TorchLight’s managing director, Jamie Stephen, emphasized the potential for Nova Scotia to become a net exporter of energy through combined district heat and power plant systems. By reducing energy imports and controlling heating costs, the province could position itself for sustainable energy independence and economic growth.