Jason Harries appointed as Head of Woodsure 

Woodsure,the organisation behind the UK’s only wood fuel quality assurance scheme, has appointed a new Head, Jason Harries, to continue its mission of improving the standard of wood fuel across the UK for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment.   

Working closely with industry, Woodsure certification provides the assurance that a fuel has undergone comprehensive checks to ensure it is high-quality and sustainable. The not-for-profit is the administrator of the government's Ready to Burn scheme, a certification mark for wood fuels that comply with The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, along with The Biomass Suppliers List, a list of wood fuels that meet the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme’s eligibility requirements. 

As Head, Jason will be creating new opportunities for industry to work together, driving greater collaboration between parties for the more environmentally responsible usage of wood fuel. He brings a breadth of experience in sustainability with an accomplished background working with government departments and leading joint working groups within testing, inspection and certification.  

Prior to Woodsure, Jason ran a business creating low-emission, sustainable paints made from natural ingredients, and another disrupting the construction industry through the development of products utilising bio-aggregates, such as waste left over from growing industrial hemp. 

“This next chapter for Woodsure will be about developing and diversifying the organisation, to build on its achievements to futureproof the quality of wood fuel in the UK, and to build stronger collaboration with other stakeholders for the benefit of this sector”, said Jason.  

“Woodsure holds a key position in the wood and biomass fuel sector which helps to drive the standards of the industry’s sustainability efforts. This was a large part of what drew me to join the team.” 

Jason’s career so far has seen him involved in notable projects including the construction of the Shard and the 2012 London Olympics build, heading up teams that advanced sustainable material usage, and a collaboration with planet-friendly retailer LUSH to provide natural paints to finish their stores 

“All businesses, no matter what sector they operate in, should aim to be sustainable for the benefit of the environment, the wellbeing of the people connected to it, and the financial rewards it can bring,” continued Jason.  

“The Woodsure scheme not only works closely with producers and suppliers to achieve the highest standards of wood fuel production throughout the UK, the organisation also increases the end-user’s understanding and awareness of correct wood fuel usage. Poor quality, or inappropriate fuel affects the efficiency of the boiler or wood burning appliance as well as air quality. 

“As someone who is passionate about reducing society’s impact on the environment, it’s vital to help consumers to make cleaner, safer and more sustainable choices.  

“Woodsure’s culture of inclusion and diversity reflects my own view that to make positive change you have to drive a positive culture where everyone is comfortable to share their ideas and to be themselves. It was immediately clear to me the genuine positivity that runs throughout the company is a catalyst to enable change to happen.” 

Woodsure is part of Cleaner Safer Group, an independent, not-for-profit organisation which works to promote the highest standards for fuel, appliances and people to encourage the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible use of solid fuels including wood.  

Bruce Allen, CEO of Cleaner Safer Group, added: “At the heart of Jason’s long and impressive career is an ever-present passion for reducing our impact on the environment. His experience encompasses a range of products and sectors, a vast knowledge of certification to drive safety and assurance, and stems from a career focused on sustainability and the circular economy. These qualities will enable him to really hit the ground running in what is a critical - and exciting - next phase of development and diversification for Woodsure.  

“Woodsure has the environment at the core of everything it does and we’re confident that, with the same ethos at the core of his own work, Jason’s appointment will help increase the understanding and implementation of sustainable practices across the UK, both for businesses and consumers.”