A NEW not-for-profit biomass and wood fuel certification organisation has been officially launched. 

A parent company to HETAS and Woodsure, Cleaner Safer Group (CSG) will build on the work of both organisations, bringing together resources, expertise and stakeholders. In addition, CSG will work to expand into new markets, applying their knowledge and specialist skills to new sectors, mitigating safety and environmental risks. 

It will offer a range of services – both directly and through HETAS and Woodsure - such as business consultancy, testing facilities training, contract management and certification schemes.

As part of its official launch last week, CSG also confirmed the appointment of Dr Dermot Roddy as non-executive director. 

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He said: "Through the registration and certification schemes for fuels, appliances, installers and retailers administered by HETAS and Woodsure, CSG has already made great strides in building confidence in trustworthy fuels and in domestic wood-burning appliances which provide a clean, safe source of heat. There is, however, a perception that biomass energy is too small to make a significant difference to the UK’s renewable heat goals.

CSG's official logo CSG's official logo (Image: Supplied)

“I believe the future lies in expanding the range of useable biomass types, developing technologies used for harnessing the energy potential of these potential fuels and looking beyond the confines of individual domestic appliances.

"As NED, my main goal will be to help CSG further develop its role in working with others in the industry to bring that future to fruition for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.”

Working with a wide range of stakeholders, Hetas and Woodsure specialise in operating certification schemes in the solid fuel, wood and biomass sectors. Both organisations also work with government to run several contracted schemes, including the Ready to Burn certification schemes for wood and manufactured solid fuels - administered on behalf of Defra, the Biomass Suppliers List and smoke control exemption for appliances.

 Dr Dermot RoddyDr Dermot Roddy (Image: Supplied)

As the parent company, CSG will grow and develop HETAS and Woodsure, expanding their operations, while also developing and delivering its own range of services. As part of its work with public and private sector organisations, CSG offers business consultation on air quality improvement and net zero emissions, from helping to navigate environmental regulations to developing strategic guidance and innovative solutions.

Bruce Allen, CEO and director of Cleaner Safer Group, added: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to announce the launch of Cleaner Safer Group.

"Through HETAS and Woodsure we have been able to develop key specialisms, working with industry leaders and government to promote and educate on cleaner, safer and more sustainable approaches to solid fuel and biomass energy usage. We are now at a point where we are ready to expand our operations, potentially to markets outside of combustion alone, and feel that CSG will empower us to be able to do exactly that."