Woodsure is a NEW accreditation scheme for assessing the
quality and suitability of wood chip, pellets, briquettes and hog
fuel (shred).
Woodsure Accreditation means that these products have been
tested to ensure they meet the EN and Önorm standards for woodfuel
quality that have become the established measure in the European
biomass industry.
Woodsure's fuel producer and supplier
accreditation takes the form of two levels of
certification:
Woodsure Producer
Supplier - All accredited producers and suppliers are
assessed as competent in producing fuel to a suitable
specification, in accordance with the Önorm or EN standards.
Woodsure Plus (Certified by
HETAS) - All accredited depots are assessed in more depth
as competent in supplying quality fuel in a sustainable manner.
This involves more administrative paperwork and detail on the
timber used, processing and supply, including legality and
sustainability.
Sustainability evidence not only
ensures that the timber is from a sustainable source but also that
the production and distribution emissions do not outweigh the
carbon savings made from not using a fossil fuel.
Ongoing assessment is
carried out for both levels, with feedback provided, in particular
where there have been queries about woodfuel quality by a customer
or installer.Woodsure is committed to promoting sustainable
woodland management practices amongst all its accredited
members.
Both these levels require that members
demonstrate the ability to produce or supply fuel to a high quality
standard. The Woodsure Plus level provides scope
for a more extensive assessment and also permits a
degree of differentiation.
The Woodsure scheme will work closely
with producers and suppliers to achieve the highest standards of
woodfuel production throughout the UK. In addition to testing and
assessment they also provide technical and regulatory
support to members, assisting them toward achieving
consistency and quality in production methods, together with
encouraging and advising upon sustainable and
environmentally-responsible practice.
Woodsure helps to guarantee a
high standard and reliability in the supply chain.
Benefits for suppliers
include:
- Instant recognition that you provide a premium product,
enhancing credibility of product.
- Potential increase in sales and widening of market to a growing
number of potential end users
- Improved boiler reliability & reduced maintenance, meaning
regular, satisfied customers
- Woodfuel testing service to BSEN or
- Ability to demonstrate that you have good processes in place to
guarantee deliveries of the right product.
- Ability to demonstrate that you have good processes in place to
guarantee deliveries of the right product.
- Customer confidence in a quality product
- Efficient fuel combustion means lower emissions
- Support for responsible local businesses & industries in
the woodfuel sector
- Arbitration support should issues arise
Benefits of accreditation for consumers
include:
- Assurance that you are buying the right product for your
installation, which will burn both safely and efficiently.
- Confidence in fuel quality and sustainability.
- Product labelling is consistent across suppliers, enabling
consumers to make an informed choice.
- Assures customers that the supplier has procedures in place to
check that the fuel is consistently manufactured to these
standards.
For full details please see the Woodsure website