Final word
Allister Marsh , Director of biomass and multi-fuel stove experts The Centre for Green Energy
The future is biomass
Home heating as we know it could be a thing of the past , says Allister Marsh , director of biomass and multi-fuel stove experts , The Centre for Green Energy . The HETAS approved installer talks about the benefits of biomass and its rising popularity among homeowners .
Allister ’ s career in biomass began when he moved to a remote rural cottage with his family 14 years ago and found the property was without heating . “ I have always had an interest in renewable technology ,” says Allister . “ Living close to Kielder , the largest manmade forest in Western Europe , it seemed logical for us to look at woodfuel . As we researched biomass and its low carbon qualities , we made a decision to avoid oil and gas .”
At the time , Allister and his wife were running a family building company and employing stone masons , joiners , electricians and plumbers , who all helped with the installation of their biomass boiler . “ My wife and I realised we had the skillset to undertake all aspects of the work involved in biomass , so it was quite a simple transition for the business .”
From installing one or two boilers in the first year , today The Centre for Green Energy installs a variety of biomass appliances every week . The business covers a significant patch of Northumberland , Cumbria , North East of England and the Scottish borders and employs six biomass experts , all of whom have undertaken HETAS training . Allister wanted to ensure his team met the right standards to offer the best customer service . He comments : “ Customers look out for HETAS ’ three tick logo and it reassures them that we are a reputable business they can trust . For us , it ’ s good to be working in a regulated but helpful environment and we ’ re proud to be associated with an organisation that is all about raising industry standards .”
Allister prides himself on helping customers find the right appliance for their home . This involves surveying the property for a suitable location and quoting for the installation and any other ground or building work . “ It ’ s a complete service that exceeds just the boiler installation . We ’ re with the consumer every step of the way to make sure they are 100 % happy with their stove or boiler ,” he says . “ We also advise on fuel supply and servicing .”
He adds : “ Biomass covers such a range of appliances . From hand-feed , manual log boilers , to large fully automated appliances that can heat schools and hotels , there is not really a situation where one size fits all . The route to a satisfied customer is matching them to the correct appliance to suit their lifestyle and their budget ; this is very different to fitting oil or gas boilers where the customer choice is down to the manufacturer , because they ’ re all white boxes .”
Allister has noticed an increase in popularity for biomass as a result of the Government ’ s Renewable Heat Incentive with consumers getting the “ feel-good factor ” for making a choice that will make a difference to the future of the environment . He comments : “ The combination of Government initiatives and oil and gas prices has had a significant impact on customers ’ motivation . As energy costs rise we will see a more natural transition of customers from carbon-based fuels to lower carbon alternatives . Some of those low carbon alternatives will be biomass . We are already seeing people shift more towards integrating technologies . So having solar , PV , biomass all working together on one system that responds to the seasons and people ’ s lifestyles .”
Based in the North East , where there are a number of managed woodlands , Allister feels that The Centre for Green Energy is well placed to specialise in biomass . It works with local biomass suppliers that are assured by Woodsure , the UK ’ s only quality assurance scheme . Woodsure partnered with HETAS earlier this year and guarantees that woodfuel meets the right standards , ensuring appliances are working sustainably and efficiently . Allister comments : “ In our particular area we have a good supply of wood . It ’ s both logical and low carbon for our business as the fuel has a shorter road journey , as well as the fuel being low carbon itself .”
Allister strongly believes that the future is biomass and that other installers should be adding this to their skill set : “ It makes sense for businesses and homeowners . Older properties can be difficult to heat as they need higher water temperatures than could be supplied by an air or ground source heat pump . The reality of the future is that if all new housing is well insulated there would be little need for heating , but for now , biomass is the best home heating option . It is low carbon and replaces costly and dirty fuels such as oil and LP gas .”
Being part of this movement is something that gives Allister great job satisfaction , but what he loves most about working at The Centre for Green Energy is his location : “ Living and working in a rural area I have the very good fortune to travel through one of the most beautiful counties in the country on my daily commute !”
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