Sustainable warmth for the South West

The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative in the South West is a project that aims to bring the benefits of wood heating to premises such as schools, community buildings, farms and large domestic properties

[UKPRwire, Wed Aug 15 2007] Are you interested in a low-carbon and cost-effective way to heat your premises? Call now while help and advice are on hand.

The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative in the South West is a project that aims to bring the benefits of wood heating to premises such as schools, community buildings, farms and large domestic properties.

Those who are interested in finding out about wood heating have a local rate phone line (08450 74 06 74) as a first point of contact. All callers receive free information and advice on woodfuel systems and on their property’s suitability for such installations. For larger premises, the Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative can arrange a site visit from a woodfuel expert who can assess a building’s capacity to accommodate a wood-fired boiler, ease of access for fuel deliveries and the availability of storage space. The project team can also provide support with applications for any available grants.

The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative project team are especially keen to hear from people and organisations located within the boundaries of a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the South West, as some grant aid may be available to them in particular. Louise Rutterford the project’s co-administrator said, “We would encourage anyone interested in finding out more about woodfuel heating to call us soon, as we are fast approaching the application deadline for this particular capital grant.”

The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative has already helped with the installation of wood-burning boilers in many premises, including an educational facility at Yeo Valley Farms in Somerset and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage HQ in Devon. So far 15 installations have received grant funding, which will equate to nearly 800kW of installed capacity once all the systems are commissioned.

Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of using woodfuel here: www.cse.org.uk/pdf/sof1113.pdf






NOTES FOR EDITORS:

The Centre for Sustainable Energy are happy to help with further information and photographs for news pieces or features. Get in touch by calling Andreea Petre-Goncalves on 0117 9299950 or email andreea@cse.org.uk

The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative is a region-wide programme that promotes woodfuel as a low-carbon and renewable energy source. The initiative aims to add local value through developing and sustaining the woodfuel industry and supporting rural livelihoods. The CWI involves an independent technical advice service for the South West coupled with some grant support for small scale installations in the rural areas of the ten participating Protected Landscapes.

The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative is managed by the Centre for Sustainable Energy. It is funded by the South West Regional Development Agency through the Woodland Renaissance (www.silvanus.org.uk/woodland_renaissance) matched with contributions from Sustainable Development Funds from 10 of the regions Protected Landscapes and a contribution from the Forestry Commission.

The Protected Landscapes areas involved are: North Devon AONB, East Devon AONB, South Devon AONB, Blackdown Hills AONB, Tamar Valley AONB, Cranborne Chase & West, Wiltshire Downs AONB, Dorset AONB, Mendip Hills AONB, Quantock Hills AONB, Dartmoor National Park.

Modern woodfuel boilers are far cleaner and more efficient than a traditional open fire. They are at the forefront of renewable energy technology. Types of woodfuel used in such installations include logs, wood chips, wood pellets and wood briquettes.






The Coordinated Woodfuel Initiative
Centre for Sustainable Energy
The CREATE Centre
Smeaton Rd
Bristol
BS1 6XN
www.cse.org.uk

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