|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|||
|
PRESS RELEASE –JAN 2006
CHEAP AS CHIPS! - CUTTING ENERGY COSTS THE WOODWISE WAY
With energy bills soaring, a local project is showing businesses and the public how to cut costs by turning to modern wood heating. Using smart and efficient technology, modern wood heating uses wood chips from local estates and sawmills. It can cut heating bills by 30% to 70% compared to gas, oil and LPG. “Wood fuel is literally cheap as chips”, say Bruce Norgrove and Duncan East of the BioMAP project team. “There has never been a better time to switch to modern wood heating in the South East, with grants available, plentiful wood fuel, and free technical support from our project”.
The BioMAP project is working with a growing network of local authorities, businesses, the AONB, local estates and wood heating specialists to showcase wood fuelled boilers in operation and encourage others to adopt the technology. It is running several practical events over the next month to show wood heating and wood fuel delivery in action.
One of these events is at the Sustainability Centre, East Meon, near Petersfield, on 24th February from 12:00. The Centre has had a wood heating system for more than 2 years and has recently been supported to launch its wood4heat producer group to provide wood fuel for its own needs as well as others in a 15 mile radius. “This is very appropriate technology for our region” says Terena Plowright, Manager of the Sustainability Centre. “We know that wood heating works and that local wood fuel is the cheapest available. We aim to show people the practical side of the modern wood heating cycle and inspire others to do the same”.
The BioMAP project is assessing potential projects in the region and it can offer telephone advice as well as more detailed technical support for promising projects. There is an opportunity to attend a special event about wood heating for schools. To register your interest please contact Bruce Norgrove on 01273 440943 or b.norgrove@naturallight.org.uk.
ENDSNote For Editors
The first phase of the BioMAP project runs till March 2006. BioMAP is funded by the South Downs Sustainability Fund, the Environment Centre and Natural Light Partnership. The project is sponsored by Hampshire County Council, West Sussex County Council, East Hampshire District Council, Chichester District Council, Forestry Commission, GOSE, SEWF, SEEDA, Wood4Heat, Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, New Forest District Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Winchester City Council. |
||||||
 |
 |
|
|
