In June 2004, Barnsley MBC adopted a Biomass Implementation Policy, committing it to considering biomass heating systems for all new and refurbished buildings. It has already completed a 470 kW wood-fuelled district heating scheme for 166 flats, and a 500 kW scheme for the council depot. Both of these replaced old coal boilers, but the next scheme will use 800 kW of wood-fuelled district heating in new office buildings, in preference to gas. This work has enabled a small wood-chip supply business to start up, and Barnsley MBC is also starting its own wood-chip supply from Council waste. There is plenty of scope to go further, with 133 coal boilers still in place in Council-owned properties; and significant further potential for local wood supply from forestry management and coppice.

For further information please contact Richard Bradford, Principal Designer (Building Services), 01226 774338 or email dickbradford@barnsley.gov.uk.