Demonstrate Sustainability Principles

[photo caption: Craig Shankster, President at Morso US LLC, holds a Green Power Switch® plaque that certifies that 100% of the electricity used at the Morsø US distribution facility in Portland TN comes from renewable sources.]


Setting An Example Is Not The Main Means of Influencing Others; It Is The Only Means. Albert Einstein

Without a doubt, Morso wood stove owners (past, present, and future) do their homework. They research the leading wood stoves on the market. They read fireplace and wood stove reviews, blog posts, and home improvement magazines. They ask serious questions about performance, maintenance, quality, warranties and energy efficiency. They even comparative shop online and at hearth stores.

However, when it comes to evaluating which products and companies are considered “sustainable”, it gets tricky. What exactly does a company need to do to be deemed “sustainable”? If a wood stove demonstrates quality construction and energy efficiency, does that make it a sustainable product?

“Sustainability” is not a nuts and bolts comparison; it is a value that represents the stewardship actions a company and its products demonstrate to ensure the well being of the environment and world we share.

Respectfully, with over 158 years of practice and a documented track record of environmentally-responsible manufacturing processes, Morso can confidently say that all of our handcrafted cast iron products are indeed “sustainable”.

You judge for yourself.

Sustainability Check List

RECYCLED CONTENT

Every Morso wood stove and fireplace insert is constructed in high quality cast iron using 98% recycled material. Just think, your new Morso energy efficient wood stove might have once been a bicycle or a lamp post.

All packaging is made from 100% recycled material; Morsø packs products in cardboard and wood, not plastic or PVC.

All waste packaging and iron parts are also recycled. Other types of waste are separated into groups and go to a central waste center for additional recycling.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

At Morsø’s Denmark production facility 80% of the total energy we use in production comes from renewable sources:69% from Wind, water and sun energy, and 11% from waste, bio fuel & bio gas

The Morso US headquarters in Portland, Tennessee’s electricity is powered by 100% renewable energy, including bio fuel and wind, per agreement with their local energy supplier as part of the Green Power Switch program: 80% from wind power and 20% from biogas.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Constant evaluation and conservation improvements have allowed production output to increase while continuing to hold energy use at the current level. Possibly the largest investment made in energy reduction has been in MANPOWER. Today all our stoves continue to be hand built and quality checked; this is also good for the local economy.

MAXIMIZED EFFICIENCY

Morso wood stoves and fireplace inserts have gone through major engineering advances to ensure that the combustion chambers burn more completely with low emissions. As a result, Morsø has improved the emission g/ pr. kg wood pr hour dramatically and measuring on OGC (tar) and CO have significantly improved.

The firebox is lined with Vermiculite, a material that offers superb insulation qualities allowing for secondary combustion to take place in the firebox. Vermiculite is resistant to temperatures up to 2120°f.

The window is made from transparent ceramic glass resistant to temperatures up to 1300°f

SUSTAINABLE WOOD ENERGY

Researchers estimate that, in total, wood may produce between three times and 10 times fewer greenhouse gas emissions per unit of heat than other energy sources. When the use of sustainably-harvested, properly processed and seasoned wood for energy displaces the use of fossil fuels, the result is a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Using a wood-burning Morso stove is a positive- renewable-fuel choice. Wood is a plentiful, renewable, non-fossil natural product and when used as fuel it is in effect ‘carbon-neutral’ meaning that the CO2 released when burning is being absorbed by the tree that has been replanted; in fact the same level of CO2 would have been emitted by a tree that had been left to rot naturally on the forest floor.

Dealer Profile: Albuquerque Patio and Hearth Co

[Photo caption: The Patio and Hearth Co team includes: from left to right in photo Bill Esch, Cindy Esch, Robert Tecumseh, and (not in photo) Kip Wills

Bill Esch at Patio and Hearth Co has always been a fan of European design, not only in heating appliances, but in the world of architecture and automobile design. Which is why, he jumped on the opportunity to become a Morso dealer. Now Morso wood stoves hold the marquee spot in this family-owned Albuquerque, New Mexico retail establishment.

According to Esch, Morso is one of the finest examples of function and design in the industry. He predicts Morso will quickly grow to be their strongest wood stove product line. Patio and Hearth Co now has at least four Morso wood stove models on the floor at all times. Presently, the centerpiece display includes the 8188, B2, 6148, 2110, 3610, and the 5660 fireplace insert.

In fact, the very first wood stove seen on entering Patio and Hearth Co is the beautiful cast iron Morso 8188. Esch explains, “The Morso stoves and fireplace inserts create a lot interest, how could customers not comment on their fantastic design”. As it turns out a good number of customers who come in looking for hearth or chimney supplies are immediately attracted to the Morso displays and begin to think about updating their wood stove with a new high efficiency Morso wood stove.

When asked to share a key ingredient in their business success formula, Esch cites knowledge and patience. “Many of our customers came to us after shopping at our competitors and the feedback we hear is that they sought us out because no one else took the time to explain how wood stoves work.”

Patio and Hearth Co features only the highest quality products which are backed by knowledgeable staff, customer service, technical support, and manufacturers’ warranty. You can visit their 7,500 sq. ft. showroom at 11030 Menaul NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. You can call Patio and Hearth Co at (505) 294-4430.