Biomass heating and combined heat and power (CHP) systems have become a major component of the low-carbon strategy for many projects, as they can provide a large renewable energy component at a relatively low initial cost.Work by the Carbon Trust has demonstrated that both large and small biomass systems were viable even before recent increases in gas and fuel oil prices, so it is no surprise that recent research by South Bank University into the renewables strategies of large London projects has found that 25% feature biomass or biofuel systems.

These proposals are not without risk, however. Although the technology is well established, few schemes are in operation in the UK and long-term success depends more on the effectiveness of the local supply chain than the quality of the design and installation.