The benefits biomass technology is bringing to the National Breeding Centre (NBC) for charity Guide Dogs UK will be highlighted at a special ‘Talk and Tour’ morning event organised by Rural Energy, on September 29.
The leading UK biomass company installed a 500kW Herz BioMatic boiler at the new-build Guide Dogs UK facility in Warwickshire three years ago. The system heats the centre, which has bred almost 5,000 guide dog puppies since it opened, including the puppies’ and adults’ kennels, reproduction suite, visitors’ centre and offices.
The biomass system installed by Rural Energy for Guide Dogs UK is estimated to have saved the charity £72,000 over the past three years (compared to oil), whilst also reducing its carbon footprint by an estimated 226 Tonnes per annum.
It has saved the charity thousands of pounds in underfloor heating bills and, to highlight the advantages of biomass, the ‘Talk and Tour’ has been organised for Monday September 29.
The free event, which gets underway at 10am, includes a tour of the facilities and the live biomass boiler accompanied by charity volunteers; and talks by Rural Energy biomass expert Phil Hunt, wood fuel supplier Howard Towns of Forest Fuels, and Guide Dogs Head of Technical Services & SustainabilityHead Mark Hyatt.
Visitors can see the boiler and the fuel store working for the NBC for themselves and hear about the project process from conception in 2010 to its current working life.
Business Development Manager Phil Hunt said: “The system we installed at Guide Dogs UK’s National Breeding Centre is a great example of the benefits of biomass technology.
“That’s why we’ve organised this tour to show other organisations, charities and businesses what the technology can deliver for them.
“It’s a great opportunity for consultants, facilities managers, carbon reduction professionals, construction experts, charities and businesses to see first-hand how biomass works.
“As well as a tour of the facility, our experts will be on hand to answer any questions and aim to increase understanding of biomass in a real life working setting.”
He added: “The feedback we get from events like this is extremely positive. People who attend leave impressed by the benefits biomass technology can deliver. They certainly give people something to think about.”
The new National Breeding Centre has allowed the charity to increase its capacity to breed puppies from 1,100 to 1,500 a year and has provided modern facilities to enhance dog and staff welfare.
