Cleaner Safer Group launches with appointment of non-executive director
Tewkesbury-based Cleaner Safer Group (CSG) – parent company to not-for-profit organisations HETAS and Woodsure – has announced its official launch, along with the appointment of non-executive director Dr Dermot Roddy.
CSG will build on the work of both HETAS and Woodsure, bringing together each organisation’s resources, expertise and stakeholders. CSG will work to expand into new markets.
Working with a range of stakeholders, HETAS and Woodsure – also based in Tewkesbury – 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 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.
Dr 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 effective partnerships with multiple organisations across the biomass space.
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.
“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.”
