The goal is to expand the HVAC workforce and up-skill incumbent workers. The programs are expected to serve up to 1,200 participants and support 60 local businesses.
The system will supply 36% of the company's electricity needs at the plant, and is expected to deliver an estimated $218,000 in savings over the lifetime of the installation.
Renovations included materials with low levels of volatile organic compounds, water-saving plumbing fixtures and HVAC systems that meet or exceed energy standards.
Sanford is one of the top communities in Maine for solar installation, with about 90 megawatts of installed capacity — second in the state only to Farmington.
The biochar industry is well-known in Europe, while the U.S. is just getting started. Pyreg clients include projects in Maine, California, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Florida.