Financial Drivers

• Often lower running costs than fossil fuels
• Robust systems with long lifetime usually results in low whole lifecycle cost
• Keeps the energy pound in the local area
• Generates more rural jobs
• The avoidance of Climate Change Levy
• The generation of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) - only if using biomass CHP

Policy Drivers

• Local Authority renewable energy targets for new developments (sometimes through methods such as BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes)
• National Indicators and Carbon Reduction Commitment
• The Biomass Task Force and the Government response recognised the need for biomass technologies to achieve UK carbon reduction targets

Environmental Drivers

• Woodfuel is carbon neutral over the lifetime of the tree
• Only low level of carbon associated with harvesting, processing and delivery of fuel (typically 3% for chip and 6% for pellet)
• Increased woodland management is good for biodiversity
• Potential to reduce road miles by creating a local market for woodland product