Biomass Heater drives Sustainable Joinery Company

An ecologically sound new clean burn heater

Update – August 2024
In 2021, we installed a second biomass heater to support the expansion of our factory. This investment is part of our broader strategy to reduce whole business carbon emissions and improve the sustainability of our manufacturing processes.

The content below was originally written in 2013, when we first introduced biomass heating to our Derbyshire workshop. We’ve included it here to show how our environmental commitment has evolved over time.

How Does Gowercroft Reuse Timber Waste?

At Gowercroft, we aim to reduce waste and lower our manufacturing carbon footprint at every stage. Our biomass heater plays a vital role in this effort. It allows us to recycle 100% of the timber offcuts produced during joinery manufacturing—turning what was once waste into clean, renewable heat.

This approach not only helps us avoid landfill but also cuts our reliance on fossil fuels, making our factory operations more efficient and environmentally responsible.

Why Is Biomass Heating a Sustainable Solution?

Like many businesses, we once struggled to find a practical use for small timber offcuts. But as energy prices rose, a biomass system became the obvious solution. The original unit, installed in 2013, paid for itself in less than three years through heating cost savings alone.

This success directly led to the installation of a second biomass heater when we expanded the factory in 2021—helping us scale up operations without increasing our carbon output.

How Does the Biomass Heater Work?

The system uses a double-pass heat exchange unit to distribute warm air throughout the building. It channels direct heat into the paint shop, accelerating curing times and improving productivity.

With an integrated thermostat and combustion fan, the heater burns cleanly and efficiently. The system meets stringent environmental standards and operates within a clean air zone, with no need for an afterburner.

What Are the Additional Benefits?

Positioning the unit centrally in the workshop reduces manual handling and helps maintain a clean, safe working environment. It’s an example of how smart design can support both sustainability and day-to-day efficiency.

Reducing Manufacturing Carbon and Business Emissions

The installation of biomass heaters is just one way we’re working to reduce manufacturing carbon emissions and overall business carbon output. From our glazing technology and timber sourcing to our coatings and waste processes, we’ve taken a whole-business approach to sustainability.

We’re proud to lead the way in environmentally responsible joinery and to offer products that help create a better future for homes, heritage buildings, and the planet.

@gowercrofttimberwindows

Cosy fire, clean conscience! ♻️ Our heaters run on wood waste! When we say our windows are sustainable, we mean our WHOLE operation is too! #greenenergy #ecofriendly #sustainable #greenmanufacturing #cozyseason

♬ snowfall – Øneheart & reidenshi