Solid fuel and biomass industry collaborates under new Cleaner Safer Group

UK local Authorities, industry leaders and key stakeholders across the biomass and other solid fuel industries has united under the newly launched Cleaner Safer Group (CSG), to discuss how they can work together to achieve a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.
Hosted at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon, the Cleaner Safer Group 2024 conference ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow’ was the not-for-profit organisation’s first event since its launch earlier this year.
Over 40 industry representatives were in attendance, including manufacturers, industry bodies, local government representation and sector professionals.
The new not-for-profit organisation, CSG, will build on the work of its sister organisations HETAS and Woodsure, bringing together each organisation’s resources, expertise and stakeholders.
In addition, CSG will work to expand into new markets, applying its 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.
After an introduction from Kaye Welfare, Cleaner Safer Group chair, attendees heard from Calvin May, HETAS head of technical services, who gave a presentation on the solid fuel industry’s current progress, HETAS developments and CSG’s mission for the future.
A key consideration raised was the likely developments to the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which outlines the actions needed to improve the UK environment, due to be announced later this year.
May said: “The Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) is a noteworthy piece of government documentation. Any developments and changes from the review of the plan by government, which are due by the end of the year, should be monitored closely and acted upon as collaboratively as possible. A joined-up approach between professionals within the biomass industry and the sharing of knowledge will empower a drive for change towards a more sustainable environment.
“The biomass and solid fuel industry has demonstrated how well it can reply effectively to changes in legislation as well as updates to research and data – such as the review of the impact of domestic combustion on UK air quality, Defra's Emissions of Air Pollutants in the UK report and its Air Pollution in the UK report.
"With the imminent rapid review of the EIP likely bringing further changes to help the UK meet its ambitious emissions targets, we must continue to work together in preparation to help others in the sector – including consumers – make cleaner, safer and more sustainable choices.”