Cleaner Safer Group (CSG) – parent company to not-for-profit organisations, HETAS and Woodsure – has announced its official launch, along with the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, Dr Dermot Roddy.
With a mission of working together for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment, the new not-for-profit organisation, CSG, will build on the work of both HETAS and Woodsure, bringing together each organisation’s 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. CSG aims to work with, partner and support organisations and businesses working in these sectors.
Credit: Cleaner Safer Group
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 a number of 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.
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.
Non-Executive Director, Dr Dermot Roddy, will be joining the CSG board to help the organisation leverage industry partnerships and diversify technologies used to capture biomass energy, beyond individual household appliances. With experience including Science City Professor of Energy at Newcastle University, Director of the Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research at Newcastle University, Chairman at North East Biofuels and several years working in the oil refinery sector, Dr Roddy brings to his role a wealth of scientific and practical knowledge across the energy sector, as well as highly effective partnerships with multiple organisations across the biomass space.
Dr Roddy comments: “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.
“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.”
Bruce Allen, CEO and Director of Cleaner Safer Group, adds: “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.
“We’re looking forward to getting the ball rolling and continuing our work with our current and future stakeholders to promote cleaner, safer choices and approaches and mitigate environmental risks. The appointment of our new NED, Dr Dermot Roddy, is a huge part of that move forward.
“It was clear from the start that Dermot is driven to supporting excellent practice in governance and that he cares about the future of the sustainable heat and energy sector in the UK – something which we at Cleaner Safer Group really value. His skills, knowledge and wealth of sector-spanning experience – both academically and in science and business – combined with his passion form a combination of attributes in someone that we are incredibly excited to work with.”
On Thursday 14th November, Cleaner Safer Group will be holding its first annual conference, bringing together industry leaders and government to discuss the latest progress and strategies, and how the biomass and solid fuel industry can innovate for a sustainable tomorrow. Being held at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, guest speakers include Tunde Ojetola, Senior Policy Advisor at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Visit the Cleaner Safer Group website here: https://www.cleanersafergroup.co.uk/