Marcus Woernle embodies the essence of a Changemaker, steering innovative pathways toward a more sustainable future in the Cowichan Valley. His journey began at a wood processing tradeshow in Europe, where serendipity introduced him to a biomass briquetting system. At the time, Woernle, a seasoned power engineer at the Crofton Mill, found himself intrigued by the simplicity and environmental promise of this technology.

 Marcus Woernle

Taking a leap of faith, Woernle invested in the biomass briquetting system and laid the foundation for what would become BioFlame Briquettes Ltd. Over the past decade, he has tirelessly championed the adoption of biomass heating solutions across Vancouver Island, gradually nurturing the residential biomass briquette market. His dedication bore fruit in 2022 when he landed a major supply contract with Saanich Commonwealth Place, a recreation center in Saanich. Saanich Commonwealth Place embraced sustainability by transitioning its boilers to utilize biomass, with BioFlame as its trusted provider. Their new boiler system uses BioFlame’s biomass pucks (they look like wooden hockey pucks), as traditional briquettes are too large for industrial use.

Biomass, or bioenergy, represents a renewable energy source derived from organic materials such as wood residues. In British Columbia, a province with abundant forests and natural resources, biomass holds particular significance. Not only does it serve as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but it also plays a pivotal role in mitigating carbon emissions and fostering local economic development. In the Cowichan Valley, the forestry sector has historically been the cornerstone of the local economy but has encountered challenges in recent decades. Biomass initiatives like BioFlame are playing a crucial role in revitalizing the industry. By repurposing logging waste and promoting sustainable forestry practices, bioenergy projects contribute to the economic resilience of the region, supporting local communities and preserving our natural heritage. According to the BioFlame website:

The environmental benefits are that our briquettes [and pucks] are made from 100% locally sourced, recycled sawdust. No new trees are cut, they use no binding additives, leave little ash, and give off few polluting emissions. Burning briquettes as fuel closes a natural conservation cycle- on combustion they only release as much into the atmosphere as was originally absorbed by the growing tree during photosynthesis. This makes the briquettes Kyoto [Protocol] neutral in that they do not emit any more carbon into the atmosphere.

Woernle’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond his business operations. He selected biomass briquettes over wood pellets due to their cost-effectiveness and the accessibility of small-scale production machinery. His ethos resonates with the principles of the forest bioeconomy, where residual forest fiber is transformed into valuable energy sources, aligning seamlessly with British Columbia’s Zero Waste and Climate Change initiatives as well as the CVRD’s Corporate Strategic Plan for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

Operating from a production plant nestled in Chemainus Industrial Park, Woernle’s BioFlame Briquettes stands as a testament to his vision and determination. With each package of compressed sawdust bricks, Woernle offers not just a product but a tangible solution to reduce carbon footprints while enhancing convenience for consumers.

Woernle’s pursuit of innovation recently garnered recognition and support from the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, where he received $117,320 to purchase and commission a hammermill and briquette press to increase fibre diversity and production. Through this endeavor, BioFlame not only mitigates wildfire risks by utilizing logging and construction waste but also catalyzes job creation within the local community.

The ripple effects of Woernle’s endeavors are palpable, with BioFlame briquettes adorning the shelves of retailers across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The company also works with some distributors that deliver briquettes directly to costomers’ homes as an alternative to cord wood. His sights are set high with aspirations to revolutionize industrial heating systems and carve a greener path for future generations. When asked where he sees BioFlame in the next five years, Woernle replied:

Seeing BioFlame used in bigger more industrial and commercial heating…places like community centers and things. If local governments have to reduce their carbon footprints then biomass is a good way to do it just because it’s carbon neutral. I think it’s especially good for the Cowichan Valley because we have useful forests so we could use that waste, bring it here, densify it and use it for fuel.

In Marcus Woernle’s leadership and BioFlame’s innovative solutions, we find a remarkable blend of dedication and inspiration, offering a promising path forward in Cowichan where environmental sustainability harmonizes with economic prosperity. For more information on BioFlame Briquettes Ltd., be sure to click the button below:

BioFlame Website

 

 

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135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
TF 1.866.746.2508

Economic
Development
Cowichan

Economic
Development
Cowichan

135 Third Street
Duncan, BC
Canada V9L 1R9
edc@cvrd.bc.ca
T 250.746.7880
TF 1.866.746.2508