The Irish Bioenergy Association (IrBEA) has launched a Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) animation video, which highlights the benefits of wood fuels in sustainable forest management. This animation video also highlights the broader benefits of forests including: the provision of timber for construction, biodiversity, spaces for recreation and a source of renewable sustainable fuel.
Sean Finan, CEO of the Irish Bioenergy Association said: “We are delighted to launch this animation video as a resource for the promotion of the wood fuel sector. It highlights the positive contribution the wood fuel sector makes to the overall forest industry.
“Through the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme, which we manage and administer, we already have several dozen wood fuel suppliers in the Irish market that produce quality sustainable renewable fuel. Providing WFQA certified dry wood fuels at a low moisture content, assists the customer in terms of efficiency, heat generation and clean burning. This animation clearly highlights these positive benefits.”
Wood Fuel Quality Assurance scheme members, provide an outlet for forest thinning material for the production of certified renewable wood fuels.
Noel Gavigan, WFQA manager and auditor added: "Our fuel suppliers produce renewable fuels such as firewood, wood chip, wood pellets, and wood briquettes by sourcing raw materials from forest owners and forestry contractors that use recognised sustainable forest management practices.
“We certify these fuels to ISO and EU standards through the WFQA scheme. Wood fuels allow homeowners and businesses to move away from fossil fuel, fully decarbonising their heating systems, and ensure that the money they spend on energy stays in the local economy. It's the essence of building and developing a sustainable, rural, circular economy.”
Wood fuel sustainability highlighted in new IrBEA animation
