Not for profit organisation announces new head
The not for profit organisation behind the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme has appointed a new head.
Jason Harries will work with industry to continue the mission of improving the standard of wood fuel across the UK for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.
Working closely with industry the Tewkesbury based Woodsure provides the assurance that a fuel has undergone comprehensive checks to ensure it is high-quality and sustainable.
The not-for-profit organisation is the administrator of the government’s Ready to Burn scheme, a certification mark for wood fuels that comply with The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, along with The Biomass Suppliers List, a list of wood fuels that meet the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme’s eligibility requirements.
In his role Jason will be creating new opportunities for industry to work together, driving greater collaboration between parties for the more environmentally responsible usage of wood fuel.
He brings a breadth of experience in sustainability with an accomplished background working with government departments and leading joint working groups within testing, inspection and certification.
Prior to Woodsure, Jason ran a business creating low-emission, sustainable paints made from natural ingredients, and another disrupting the construction industry through the development of products utilising bio-aggregates, such as waste left over from growing industrial hemp.
“This next chapter for Woodsure will be about developing and diversifying the organisation, to build on its achievements to futureproof the quality of wood fuel in the UK, and to build stronger collaboration with other stakeholders for the benefit of this sector”, said Jason.
“Woodsure holds a key position in the wood and biomass fuel sector which helps to drive the standards of the industry’s sustainability efforts. This was a large part of what drew me to join the team.”
Jason’s career so far has seen him involved in notable projects including the construction of the Shard and the 2012 London Olympics build, heading up teams that advanced sustainable material usage, and a collaboration with planet-friendly retailer LUSH to provide natural paints to finish their stores
“All businesses, no matter what sector they operate in, should aim to be sustainable for the benefit of the environment, the wellbeing of the people connected to it, and the financial rewards it can bring,” continued Jason.
“The Woodsure scheme not only works closely with producers and suppliers to achieve the highest standards of wood fuel production throughout the UK, the organisation also increases the end-user’s understanding and awareness of correct wood fuel usage. Poor quality, or inappropriate fuel affects the efficiency of the boiler or wood burning appliance as well as air quality.
