energy
Biomass in the local
authority environment
Photos: Hadfield Wood Recyclers
the biomass Strategy published in May 2007 suggested that biomass has the potential to make
a valuable contribution in the generation of green energy. Jean Pascal boutin and Stephen Cirell
look at the example local authorities can set by opting for biomass in public buildings.
I
n the Climate Change Act 2008 to implement renewable energy solutions that buildings, in particular Building Schools for
that recently reached the statute book, will benefit it financially, as well as the wider the Future (BSF) schools, involving wood
the UK has become the first country community in environmental terms. burning biomass facilities.
to bind itself to legally enforceable In this climate of high energy costs
targets for cuts in CO2 emissions. this is a
Biomass Strategy 2007
and tough carbon reduction targets, it is
bold step and consideration now needs to be It is here that biomass has a key role to play. encouraging and at the same time, a necessity
given as to how those promises can be met. this was recognised in the Biomass Strategy for local authorities to develop sustainable
there is no doubt that this will be a great published by Defra, DFt and DtI in May renewable energy solutions. Due to the
challenge in the years ahead. 2007, which examined the issues following capital investment required, these will
Local authorities have a pivotal role to the Biomass task Report of 2005. have to be long-term investments, which is
play in this work. As the democratically the strategy claims that: "Biomass has the particularly suitable for public buildings,
elected leader of the community, as well as a potential to make a valuable contribution in a such as schools as by their nature they have a
major landowner, service provider, employer number of areas such as heat and electricity guaranteed long-term occupancy.
and consumer, councils have many ways in generation and in the development of greener the challenges of these schemes are
which they can make a difference. fuels for transport and sustainable industrial the financials, planning and in the case
It is perhaps significant that the chief products. In many of these areas, biomass of biomass boilers, the security of wood
role should be to lead by example and seek can be used as a low carbon replacement for supplies, whether virgin or waste wood.
to generate an enthusiasm at local level for fossil fuels." Accordingly, it is imperative that long-
driving forwards the innovation and change the work that has subsequently been done term and secure wood supply agreements are
in behaviour that is required. in this area complements both the Climate put into place. Again, the Biomass Strategy
This role will be fulfilled in many Change Act and the energy Act of 2008. 2007 recognised this.
different ways, including through the Local Biomass is, of course, relevant to both the It states: "We believe that there is
Strategic Partnership, Local Area Agreement generation of electricity and heat production significant potential to expand the supply of
or the like, discussions with other public and distribution, both of which are important biomass without any detrimental effect on
sector stakeholders and perhaps joint in the local authority scenario. food supplies in a sustainable manner."
arrangements. Sunderland and Bristol City Councils It suggests that this will be possible by
But it also helps to have some schemes recently demonstrated that there is an "sourcing an additional one million dry
progressing where the council concerned is emergence of renewable energy schemes tonnes of wood per annum from currently
doing its bit to push the agenda forwards and being developed in relation to public unmanaged woodland in england and from
20 SuStainable SolutionS april 2009
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