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 “Consolidation of knowledge” was the key to success at the recent BETI training day for agricultural sector managers. Hosted by one of the participating companies, the day brought together business managers from a variety of business types who shared good business sense by seeing the benefit of incorporating sound environmental management into their business decision making.

Work with participants prior to the training day had enabled training organisers, Beds County Training, and lead trainers, the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF), to tailor the training to meet both the requirements of the nationally accredited CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) certification and the needs of those taking part.

The training enabled managers to determine environmental fact from fiction and to increase their understanding of how all businesses can reduce their impact on the environment by minimising waste, energy, water and raw materials; looking for alternatives where-ever possible and recycling afterwards. Throughout the day, the simply actions that each business could benefit from were highlighted. Managers had asked that the Environment Agency, who are also key partners in BETI, explain how they could ensure compliance with three pieces of recent legislation affecting their work. Consequently, specialist advisors led sessions on the Ground Water Regulations; Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and Oil Storage Regulations.

On hand to answer questions and help in any way, the Environment Agency specialists were able to help managers avoid the most common pitfalls that could have led to them inadvertently breaking the law. The day was judged an overall success that exceeded managers expectations! As part of this unique project partnership, the managers who took part in the day will now be supported in developing an on site environmental project and disseminating the training to their staff. ©2003 - Beds & Luton Sustainable Business Partnership. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer Business Environmental Training Initiative

What is a wood pellet?
This fuel is made from the same kind of clean sawdust that is used for pet bedding. The sawdust is heated and compressed into hard pellets and should be dust free. No binders and glues are added. If any water gets into the pellets, they fall apart very quickly so suppliers take great care to keep them dry.

Is there some form of standard for the fuel?
A new British standard has been published (number CEN335) we expect this to become an ISO standard in 2008.

What are energy crops?
Energy crops are species, which are grown specifically to burn for energy. They include willow and poplar trees, which are grown as a "short rotation coppice" (SRC) and cut every three years to provide wood fuel. Other energy crops include oil-seed rape which is crushed to provide the raw material for Biodiesel and Miscanthus

What is Miscanthus?
Miscanthus is a species of elephant grass grown for biomass. To picture what it looks like imagine a cross between pampas grass from the front garden and bamboo. This species grows to about 15ft high when it is left to dry, cut and baled. Power stations involved in co-firing are the main users of Miscanthus and grants are available to plant it under the energy crop scheme

What does "arboricultural" mean?
"Arboriculture is the selection, planting and care of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants, and the study of how they grow and respond to cultural practices and the environment. " It is usually used in reference to urban tree surgery work, as opposed to "silviculture" which is the management of whole woodlands.

What are "arboricultural arisings?"
Arboricultural arisings are material that has been produced as a result of arboriculture. They consist of tree prunings, hedge trimmings and other woody and green waste. The wood component of this potentially a valuable resource for conversion into wood fuel.

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