Cleaner Safer Group 2024 conference wrap-up

HETAS took part in the first annual Cleaner Safer Group (CSG) conference on 14 November 2024 – ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow’. Unifying industry leaders, key stakeholders, and local authorities, the conference was a success, setting the foundation for years to come. 

The event saw valuable insights from across industry, raising a number of questions regarding the role that attendees’ organisations will play as we work together towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future. 

Introducing Cleaner Safer Group 

The event kicked off with Kaye Welfare – Cleaner Safer Group Chair – stepping in for Bruce Allen, Cleaner Safer Group CEO, welcoming everyone and giving an overview of the new parent organisation. This conference marked the first time CSG was formally introduced to our stakeholders, and we are pleased at the positive responses we received. 

Cleaner Safer Group is the not-for-profit parent organisation of HETAS and Woodsure, utilising the strength of both organisations to work towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future. CSG will allow growth and expansion, allowing us to continue achieving our goals and contribute to environmental causes. 

HETAS speakers 

Following Kaye’s welcome, we saw valuable insights from Calvin May, HETAS Head of Technical Services, and Alan Young, HETAS Quality & Assurance Manager. 

Calvin’s technical expertise allowed for a comprehensive view on the state of the solid fuel industry, the current position of HETAS, and missions for the future. Challenges that the industry has overcome, as well as likely hurdles for the future, were assessed by Calvin as he spoke at the conference. 

Regulatory reform and the role that industry leaders and experts alike will play in the formation of a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future was mapped out, elucidating the importance of cross-industry engagement. With questions regularly arising from stakeholders at all levels, the developments and measures for the future will shape how industry moves forward, and Calvin’s knowledge demonstrated why HETAS remain an industry-leading organisation in its sector. 

Alan Young continued the theme of looking ahead, echoing the conference’s theme of ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Tomorrow’. Through examining the areas that drive change, Alan assessed the interlocking influences of political, environmental, and social factors and how these can be utilised to create positive, meaningful change. As HETAS Quality & Assurance Manager, Alan was poised to closely examine the organisation’s existing schemes, potential developments, and how certification is one of the core aspects behind CSG’s mission. 

A holistic, expert approach granted from years of experience in the sector formed the basis of both Calvin and Alan’s presentations. These presentations were received extremely well by attendees and the engagement and enthusiasm was felt throughout the event. 

Woodsure speakers 

Jason Harries, Head of Woodsure, and Helen Bentley-Fox, Director of Woodsure, paired up to speak to attendees and examine Woodsure’s role in the wood fuel sector, focusing on the sustainability journey of the organisation and the wider industry. 

Beginning by examining the three schemes – Ready to Burn, Woodsure Fuel Quality, and the Biomass Suppliers List – Helen and Jason spoke on the achievements of each scheme, highlighting how quality has continued to improve over the years, noting some recent successes. 

Not looking to settle with their current achievements, however, the pair then looked ahead, examining possible directions for Woodsure’s future under Cleaner Safer Group. The social, economic, and environmental importance of resolute sustainability was examined by Jason, underpinned by his years of expertise working to drive the circular economy across multiple industries. 

CSG’s core values were reiterated throughout Helen and Jason’s presentation; collaboration, high-quality delivery, and sustainability are strengths that should be utilised, and the messaging throughout the presentation echoed these themes.