The scheme is an industry-led initiative, involving stakeholders from across the sector. It aims to help the industry improve its environmental and health and safety performance, and help AD operators deliver the best possible operational standards. The three Best Practice Checklists were made available to attendees at the recent UK AD & Biogas 2016 show on 6th and 7th July. They cover risk management, procurement and operational performance. Over the next year, ADBA will start work with stakeholders to develop a voluntary certification scheme based upon these checklists.
“We are delighted to share the first stage of this exciting project and would like to thank all those who have generously contributed their time and expertise to this work” said Charlotte Morton, ADBA’s Chief Executive, launching the scheme in the Conference at the show. “By working together to share knowledge and experience, our industry can only grow stronger and more resilient. The AD industry could deliver up to 30 percent of our domestic gas demand, cut the UK’s carbon emissions by 4 percent and support sustainable farming businesses – the Best Practice Scheme will help deliver that by helping operators to run their plants well, demonstrate compliance and reduce costs.”
The scheme is supported by key players in the AD industry, including the Environment Agency which welcomed its launch, stating that the scheme will improve the environmental performance of the rapidly growing AD sector and help to prevent pollution incidents, as well as being good for both business and the environment. Health and Safety regulators also welcomed the initiative.
“It is excellent to see ADBA’s drive to develop a Best Practice scheme for the Anaerobic Digestion industry come to fruition” said Rick Brunt, Head of Waste and Recycling at the Health and Safety Executive. “The extensive industry consultation, particularly with operators, insurers and regulators, really draws in a wide range of knowledge and experience into the scheme. I hope that this guidance, produced by the industry for the industry, will enable small and large companies alike to raise their own health and safety standards and the overall performance of the Anaerobic Digestion industry.”
Ryland Cairns, Environment Manager at Muntons, added that the scheme is a great example of how ADBA are working to further enhance the AD industry and that the sharing of best practice allows the industry to drive cost effective compliance from both a safety and environmental perspective as well as encouraging sustainable (people, planet, profit) operations.
For additional information:
Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA)
