A CARBON neutral boiler has been unveiled at a country park’s environmental education centre.

The biomass boiler has been set up in the Bromley Environment Education Centre in Farnborough and will provide heat and hot water by burning wood chippings.

The new boiler means park officers can avoid using fossil fuels like gas at the centre in High Elms Country Park.

Countryside and parks manager Stephanie Waddington said: "We all understand that the planet is under pressure and what can be done locally will make a difference.

"The boiler is powered by woodchips which are sourced locally in Kent. The chips come from wood that is in a coppice cycle, which means the fuel source is renewable.

"The wood is dried and chipped, and transported approximately 10 miles to BEECHE."

Executive councillor for renewal and recreation Julian Benington, who attended the launch, added: "This is a wonderful new facility and demonstrates the council's commitment to the local environment and hope it will inspire others to think about how to live more sustainably."

The green technology was installed with the help of a £10,000 grant from the Co-operative Group and £17,500 from the Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme.

News Shopper: The biomass boiler has been set up in the Bromley Environment Education Centre in Farnborough

Green company Renewable Energy Systems installed the boiler in a purpose-built room complete with a fuel store as part of the £50,000 project.

Pupils from Langley Park School for Girls in Beckenham visited the centre last Wednesday (july 8) when the boiler was officially switched on.

When they are burnt, the wood chippings will emit the same amount of carbon dioxide as they absorb during their growth - making the boiler carbon neutral. Wood is also a renewable and sustainable source of energy.

The Co-operative’s head of community and campaigns Michael Fairclough said: “The aim of our Green Energy for School’s scheme is to educate the next generation about climate change and as a community environmental education centre, the Bromley Environmental Education Centre at High Elms is in an ideal position to help us do this.

“As well as reducing the centre’s carbon dioxide emissions by providing renewable heat and hot water, we hope the boiler will inspire school children and visitors to live more sustainable lifestyles.”