WHICH SURVEY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Here at Alderman Stone as Chartered Building Surveyors we are specialists in Building Surveys and have seen everything.  We provide full Building Surveys in the traditional way, involving detailed inspection and analysis of the building and its site. Our founding owner is a Chartered Building Surveyor with over 25 years of local experience and regularly acts as 'Expert Witness' for building defects in Court is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) - (RICS Fellowship is defined as,  'An honoured class of membership awarded on the basis of individual achievement within the profession'.) 

Alderman Stone Chartered Building Surveyors are an RICS regulated firm - a mark of distinction and excellence for Chartered Surveyors and industry’s most respected authority on surveying.

"BUY YOUR PROPERTY WITH CONFIDENCE"

Purchasing a property is the biggest investment that many people will make, and having a Building Survey conducted by Alderman Stone will give you piece of mind, prior to making your purchase, on the physical condition of the building and the nature of any potential works required, along with any indication of potential legal matters such as boundary issues, that may be found during the inspection and analysis.

We have a wealth of experience in conducting Building Surveys of residential properties of any type and size, including RICS Condition Surveys (level 1),  Homebuyer Surveys (level 2) and full Building Surveys (level 3), along with commercial properties, and we have a legacy of many happy customers following our Survey services provided.

Please telephone or email us to discuss your requirements for a Building Survey, and we will be happy to provide advice and a free no obligation quote, and a Building Survey at your convenience.

It’s important to remember that your mortgage lender’s valuation report is not a survey. It merely tells your lender whether or not the property is reasonable priced security for your loan. A RICS survey will tell you the actual condition of the property. That’s vital information that can be invaluable during price negotiations, and will also help you avoid expensive surprises after you’ve moved in.

 

RICS Level 3 Building Survey

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RICS Home Survey Report

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RICS Condition Report

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Drone Roof Survey

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Snagging Lists

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Heritage Survey

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Vendor's Building Survey

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PURCHASER'S BUILDING SURVEY

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COMMON BUILDING DEFECTS

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We believe if a survey is worth doing it should be done properly and recommend this survey in most situations, essential for larger, older or run down properties, or a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.  Formerly known as a ‘Structural Survey’ this report is the most comprehensive report and provides detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. This service includes:

• A detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a 

      survey level 2

• Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical 

      examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars)

• Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are

      switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.you 

      with an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, including advice on defects, repairs and     

      maintenance options

• Objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It 

       describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/

       problems 

• Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
• Propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
• Outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair; and make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work
• Provides specific comments on energy efficiency
• If agreed provide estimated costs for identified repairs.

• Where agreed as a separate service, provides a building reinstatement assessment to avoid 

      under or over insurance value

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For buying or selling a modern conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.

The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property, its services and grounds, without tests. 

Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.

It is less comprehensive than a Level 3 Building Survey.

Where agreed as a separate service, provides a building reinstatement assessment to avoid under or over insurance value.

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Concise report which specifies description of elements, condition of elements and priority (1-5) of remedial works required in tabular format over a 5 year period and 5-10 year period with budget costings.  

Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). 

Covers property, services, grounds and outbuildings.

Where agreed as a separate service, provides a building reinstatement assessment to avoid under or over insurance value.

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Issues with your new home?

We can help with a detailed home inspection carried out by an experienced RICS Chartered Building Surveyor to carry weight and respect with any potential claim against the developer. 

Nothing is overlooked, you will receive a detailed "snag list" with photographic evidence covering cosmetic and technical issues including compliance with building regulations etc.

Covers all areas of the property and grounds:

• Roofs, chimneys and rainwater goods
• Soffits and fascias
• Exterior walls
• Windows and doors
• Drains and flues
• Loft spaces
• Outbuildings including Garage spaces
• Bathroom (finishes, plumbing and electrical)
• Kitchen (finishes and units)
• Flooring and skirting
• Stair components
• Heating Radiators
• Grounds
• Outbuildings
• External areas

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Until recently, an old or Period Property was defined as anything built before 1919.  Now we don't really know what it was in 1919 that made something special, or Period - but after that, houses were supposed to be new, and presumably not particularly interesting.  Nowadays, there is a far better description of what an old house is:  It's defined as a 'Solid walled structure, built using breathable materials'. 

It doesn't matter whether it is pre, or post 1919 - the important thing to be aware of is the construction, and the way in which the materials interact with water in particular - causing, or avoiding dampness issues.

We are experienced in dealing with historic properties and the materials they are built of which is crucial for any historic building survey.

Maintenance of a Period Property is always an important factor and more expensive than a contemporary building; however, savings are available if repairs are done properly, and key elements like roof, drains, and windows are maintained. 

UK Periods for houses:

Tudor period -  1485-1560

Elizabethan and Jacobean period - 1560-1660

Restoration period -  1660-1714

Georgian period -  1715-1790

Regency period -  1790-1830

Victorian period -   1830-1900

Edwardian period -  1900-1918

Art Nouveau period -  1890-1910

Art Deco period -    1908-1935

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Drones are relatively new technology, and only a handful of experienced and licensed providers are able to utilise this technology to carry out surveys.

Ultra HD 4K quality up close video survey footage of buildings and roofs provided that would otherwise be difficult to inspect, for example high, complex or unsafe roofs. 

Much quicker, safer and cheaper than using scaffold or cherry pickers to conduct a closer inspection or survey of high or unsafe roofs and/or large sites. 

Uses to include stand alone survey, expert witness defect analysis,  in addition to a commercial or residential building survey for purchase, dilapidations claim or maybe for a birds eye view illustration for planning and development use. 

In accordance with our PCFO Licence and CAA regulations, we can legally fly drones up to a height of 400ft (120m). 

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Vendor's Building Inspection

The doctrine of 'Caveat Emptor' (Buyer Beware) has reigned supreme for centuries. It has disadvantages. Abortive cost and time delay arise as every prospective purchaser has to commission their own survey of a property. Whereas survey reports prepared on behalf of the Vendor, on which the Purchaser may legally rely, can reduce transaction times and scope for negotiation. The preparation of Vendor's Building Inspections, in readiness for sale, is a role with which Alderman Stone is very familiar. 

Alderman Stone has specialised in this service area for more than 25 years. Alderman Stone is independent of investment advisers and agents, and, therefore, Purchasers' interests are not open to compromise by 'undue influence'. Our location of offices enable us to deal with single properties or large portfolios, anywhere in the UK.

Our clients are mainly independent asset managers, financial institutions and property companies. We are able to tailor extensively the precise scope of our reports, coordinating the involvement of other professional disciplines, if necessary.

We pride ourselves on our unbiased, pragmatic style of reporting, and a responsive and proactive approach.

If you would like further no obligation advice or assistance with any aspect, please contact us.
 
This information is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all legal or other aspects referred to. Readers should take further appropriate advice before applying the information contained in this media to specific issues or problems.

Service Includes

• Clarifying the precise extent of the service required
• Reviewing all relevant technical and legal documentation
• Inspecting the property internally and externally
• Co-ordinating the involvement of specialist sub-consultants in regard to services
   installations, deleterious materials testing and land contamination
• Liaising with other members of the disposal team such as solicitors, agents, accountants and investment advisers
• Preparing a report to the client's preferred format or our own format
• Dealing with queries raised by prospective purchasers, including more forensic re-inspection of the property, if so instructed
• Drafting, agreeing and executing Warranties and Duty of Care documents in favour of the eventual purchasers

Purchaser's Building Survey

The demands of modern investment markets call for property that is considered a liquid asset class. Buyers are therefore obliged to satisfy themselves as to the condition of a property before committing to the transaction. Alderman Stone has been providing acquisition advice in the residential and commercial property sector for more than 25 years, for a multitude of building types.  We have developed a reputation in the market place for pragmatic, balanced advice and offer services for single properties or large portfolios. 

Our clients range from commercial companies acquiring space for their own occupation, financial institutions, property companies acquiring property for investment purposes, independent asset managers and developers. We are able to tailor extensively the precise scope of our reports, to suit the circumstances of our involvement and co-ordinate the involvement of many other professional disciplines as necessary.

Service includes:

• Clarifying the extent of the service required
• Reviewing all relevant technical and legal documentation
• Inspecting the property
• Co-ordinating the involvement of specialist sub-consultant concerning services installations, deleterious materials testing and land contamination
• Liaising with other members of the acquisition team such as solicitors, agents, accountants and investment advisers
• Preparing a report to the client's preferred format or our own format
• Dealing with queries raised by the acquisition team, including more forensic re-inspection of the property, if required
• Attending review meetings

Environmental Due Diligence

Environmental due diligence has become an essential tool in assessing the environmental risks and liabilities associated with property development and the due diligence transaction process. This dedicated service, required as part of the vendor, acquisition, divestiture and redevelopment process, provides commercially aware reports, in line with current environmental legislation, tailored specifically to the needs of our clients.

Environmental due diligence includes:

• Phase I - Real Estate and Industrial Environmental Audit
• Phase II - Environmental Audit & Soil and Groundwater Investigations
• Phase III - Remediation Design and Management Services
• Hazardous Building Materials
• Geothermal Technology

Green Due Diligence

Over recent years, sustainability issues have become increasingly important. The pending changes in legislation regarding energy saving/CO2 reduction will be a driving market factor in the property market as it is expected that the requirement for energy passes will have increasing influence on property decision-making. With energy costs described as being the 'second rent', sustainable buildings will have a competitive edge and will increase in value whereas standard buildings will only be bought and let at reduced prices.
 
To meet the changing needs of clients and ever-changing legislation, Alderman Stone has established a new field of 'green due diligence' expertise to emphasize the importance of sustainability issues within the property industry. As green legislation is a moving target, an experienced view on current and future issues is essential for the successful completion of a project.

Green due diligence includes the following:

• Energy passes
• Green building consultancy
• Compliance - BREEAM & LEED

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Interest in eco-friendly homes had never been so high, particularly now that it is largely accepted that our activities are damaging the planet. 

Alderman Stone have and continue to research this exciting new specialism to ensure that consideration and suitability are discussed and incorporated into schemes.

The UK government published its Net Zero Strategy with the intention of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

If you are building and you want it to be as green as possible, there are three main issues to consider: 

• Energy efficiency of the building
• Choice of building materials
• Power generation

Insulating Against Climate Change

It can make sense to insulate new build and extensions more than building regulations require for a cost effective energy saving measure.  If there's a lot of glass in the building (a conservatory, for example),  you may also consider special glass such as Low-E which has a coating that reflects radiator heat back into the room while allowing the sun's heat through.
 
Depending on your chosen building method, you can also install insulation that's not as damaging as fibreglass or some mineral wools. There is now a wide choice made from wool, natural fibres such as hemp, or cellulose from recycled newspapers. Many of these come in the form of blankets or batts than can be cut to size or shape and slotted in, or in a semi-liquid form that's blown into the cavities.

Underfloor heating is another option worth considering. It's very difficult to install in an existing house but installation for new build/extension is a lot easier and can usually be added to the current central heating system.  Whilst more expensive initially than radiators to install,  the water inside only needs to be heated to around 40-50 degrees C, as opposed to the 85-90 of radiators, making running costs lower. In addition, you get even heat throughout the rooms, floors that are warm underfoot, and no radiators to get in the way around walls.

You may also want to choose materials that do not use a lot of resources in their construction, as breeze blocks and concrete do.  They are undoubtedly the cheapest, that’s why they are so popular, but this as with so many eco-choices, comes down to your choice of how far you are prepared to go.

It might not be possible to use some of the more unusual eco-friendly materials such as straw bales or rammed earth, if you will not be able to blend them into your house, although planners are getting more used to seeing these options and are less likely to turn them down these days.  Wooden frames are a more acceptable option; they act as carbon dioxide stores and are renewable, as long as you ensure that the wood is obtained from a reputable source.

A large exposed wooden frame using green oak timbers and construction techniques similar to those used for mediaeval barns can give a wonderful cathedral-like atmosphere.  Or, if that’s not going to blend in with your home, the frame can be concealed behind boards or plaster and no one would know it wasn’t an ordinary brick-built extension.

Generating Power

Eco friendly features such as solar panels, wind turbines and grey water systems are increasingly being incorporated into new housing projects.  With some local authorities requiring say 10% of renewable energy as a condition of planning permission. 

It is often easier when building new to install mechanisms to generate power,  rather than retro-fit.  Solar heating panels can be put on a roof and linked into a heating system to provide hot water, or photovoltaic (PV) cells can provide electricity and stored in batteries on site or surplus electricity sold back to the grid.
 
It is possible to buy PV cells in the same form as traditional roofing tiles, for a concealed appearance and more acceptable to planners if you are in an area that is subject to restrictions.   Wind turbines can be installed but are unlikely to deliver any real gains unless you are in a very windy area or can get permission to mount the turbine on a high mast, where the wind speeds are greater.

Ground Source/ Air Source Heat Pumps

Ground-source heat is extracted from the low-temperature heat (10–20°C) that is found at relatively shallow depths within the earth’s crust. This source of heat remains at a relatively constant temperature all year and can be taken from the ground itself or from groundwater. Heat pumps can increase the temperature to provide a more useful output temperature of around 40–50°C, ideal for low-temperature heating systems like under floor systems and radiant panels. Air source heat pumps are less efficient and are situated above ground.

Solar

Solar energy involves capturing and harnessing the sun’s energy. There are three main ways of doing this: 

• Passive solar design ensures that a building’s form and fabric captures the sun’s energy and reduces the need for artificial light and heating
• Active solar water heating converts solar radiation into heat, which can be used directly or stored
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar cells convert sunlight into electricity

Microgeneration

Micropower, or Microgeneration is the production of energy on the smallest of scales, for individual buildings or communities. Micropower technologies emit low amounts of carbon dioxide(CO2), or in some cases, no carbon dioxide at all, whilst allowing consumers to generate their own heat and/or electricity.

​

Microgeneration comes in various forms. There are two categories of solar powered technologies; photovoltaic (PV) systems, that produce electricity, and solar thermal systems to provide hot-water and sometimes space heating. Ground Source Heat Pumps use energy stored in the ground for space heating and micro-Combined Heat and Power (micro-CHP) look and operate similar to gas boilers whilst providing electricity as well as heat. Micro turbines provide electricity, either powered by the wind or naturally flowing water and the latest development is the roof or wall mounted wind turbine. Hydrogen powered fuel cells to provide heat and electricity at the commercial level are currently being developed and are expected to emerge in the next few years. 

• Microgeneration is cost-effective. Some of Micropower technologies are more accessible than others but all can deliver on at least two of the four energy policy objectives; reductions in CO2 emissions, reliability of supply, fuel poverty relief and maintaining competitiveness. For example, a micro-CHP unit will deliver the same comfort levels as a modern boiler, whilst reducing the emissions of a typical house by 1.5 tonnes (around 25%) of CO2 per year. This can help relieve fuel poverty, supply 1 - 5kW of peak electricity generating capacity - and provide the major utilities with some competition. Other forms, such as micro-wind turbines and solar panels, can cut energy bills by up to 100 pounds per year or be integrated in conjunction with other types of microgenerators to offer genuine zero carbon residences. 

• A typical large power station wastes over a third of its fuel by simply heating up the atmosphere. A further 10% of this is wasted in transmission and distribution, meaning less than half of the fuel is used productively by the consumer. By comparison, microgeneration technologies use more than 90% of the fuel productively for heat or electricity, or are powered by clean, renewable sources.
   
• Microgeneration helps to combat climate change. Some forms of micropower use fuels or energy sources that produce no greenhouse gases and are classed as renewable energy. Those that do use fossil fuels do so with efficiencies typically of greater than 90%.
   
• Some micropower technologies, when taken up in large numbers, will provide a more predictable source of power generation than large power stations. They also relieve pressure on the grid at times of strain. They enhance diversity and security of supply, and for some technologies back-up power is also available in the event of a blackout.
   
• Microgeneration is a catalyst for cultural change.There are wider benefits than just cost and carbon reductions Consumers with microgeneration exhibit noticeable changes in their energy use, as well as sending a clear visual signal of a property contributes in generating low or zero carbon energy to neighbours.

The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) identified significant annual growth in the number of small wind turbines being installed, with an 80% increase confirming the UK as 'the world leader in small systems technology'. 

Whilst commercial scale wind farm developments can generate significant returns for the landowner providing the land, a well sited small turbine can offer a landowner or individual householder not only savings on their electricity bills, but also an opportunity to export surplus energy to the grid.

Hydro Electrical Power 

We have used running water as an energy source for thousands of years, mainly to grind corn. The first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity was Cragside House in Northumberland in 1878.  In 1882 on the Fox river, in the USA, hydroelectricity produced enough power to light two paper mills and a house. 

Nowadays there are many hydro-electric power stations, providing around 20% of the world's electricity. The name comes from "hydro", the Greek word for water.

When it was first built, the huge "Hoover Dam", on the Colorado river,  supplied much of the electricity for the city of Las Vegas; however now Las Vegas has grown so much, the city gets most of its energy from other sources.

Although there are many suitable sites around the world, hydro-electric dams are very expensive to build. However, once the station is built, the water comes free of charge, and there is no waste or pollution.

If your property has a location close to a suitable water supply, it may be that a small scale hydro scheme could be a practical and economic project that could provide power for a single residence or community. Technological advances in turbine efficiency mean that even locations with relatively small flows can generate electricity efficiently.

Biomass

Biomass is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms. In the context of biomass for energy this is often used to mean plant based material, but biomass can equally apply to both animal and vegetable derived material.  

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Biomass is carbon based and is composed of a mixture of organic molecules containing hydrogen, usually including atoms of oxygen, often nitrogen and also small quantities of other atoms, including alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metals.  These metals are often found in functional molecules such as the porphyrins which include chlorophyll which contains magnesium.

The carbon used to construct biomass is absorbed from the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) by plant life, using energy from the sun. Plants may subsequently be eaten by animals and thus converted into animal biomass. However the primary absorption is performed by plants. If plant material is not eaten it is generally either broken down by microrganisms or burned:

• If broken down it releases the carbon back to the atmosphere, mainly as either carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4), depending upon the conditions and processes involved.
• If burned the carbon is returned to the atmosphere as CO2.

These processes have happened for as long as there have been plants on Earth and is part of what is known as the carbon cycle.

Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas are also derived from biological material, however material that absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere many millions of years ago.

As fuels they offer high energy density, but making use of that energy involves burning the fuel, with the oxidation of the carbon to carbon dioxide and the hydrogen to water (vapour).  Unless they are captured and stored, these combustion products are usually released to the atmosphere, returning carbon sequestered millions of years ago and thus contributing to increased atmospheric concentrations.

The vital difference between biomass and fossil fuels is one of time scale.

Biomass takes carbon out of the atmosphere while it is growing, and returns it as it is burned.  If it is managed on a sustainable basis, biomass is harvested as part of a constantly replenished crop. This is either during woodland or arboricultural management or coppicing or as part of a continuous programme of replanting with the new growth taking up CO2 from the atmosphere at the same time as it is released by combustion of the previous harvest.  This maintains a closed carbon cycle with no net increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.

Categories of biomass materials

Within this definition, biomass for energy can include a wide range of materials.

The realities of the economics mean that high value material for which there is an alternative market, such as good quality, large timber, are very unlikely to become available for energy applications.  However there are huge resources of residues, co-products and waste that exist in the UK which could potentially become available, in quantity, at relatively low cost, or even negative cost where there is currently a requirement to pay for disposal.

There are five basic categories of material:

• Virgin wood, from forestry, arboricultural activities or from wood processing
• Energy crops: high yield crops grown specifically for energy applications
• Agricultural residues: residues from agriculture harvesting or processing
• Food waste, from food and drink manufacture, preparation and processing, and post-consumer waste

Industrial waste and co-products from manufacturing and industrial processes. 

More and more owners of farms and estates are looking at alternative sources of energy to reduce their fuel and electricity costs as well as their carbon footprint. 

Biomass heating can be a solution to replace existing oil, electric or gas heating systems on houses, offices, commercial units and grain storage. The principal sources of biomass for fuel include specially grown energy crops, and biodegradable waste.

There are clear benefits in a biomass heating system - a reduction in running costs by up to 80%, self sufficiency of fuel supply and a reduced impact on the environment.

Anaerobic Digestion 

One of the most sustainable and economically viable sources of renewable energy is Anaerobic Digestion (AD). 

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a biological process that happens naturally when bacteria breaks down organic matter in environments with little or no oxygen. It is effectively a controlled and enclosed version of the anaerobic breakdown of organic waste in landfill which releases methane. 

Almost any organic material can be processed with AD, including waste paper and cardboard (which is of too low a grade to recycle, e.g. because of food contamination), grass clippings, leftover food, industrial effluents, sewage and animal waste. 

Energy  

AD produces a biogas made up of around 60 per cent methane and 40 per cent carbon dioxide (CO2). This can be burnt to generate heat or electricity or can be used as a vehicle fuel. If used to generate electricity the biogas needs to be scrubbed. It can then power the AD process or be added to the national grid and heat for homes.

Digestate 

As well as biogas, AD produces a solid and liquid residue called digestate which can be used as a soil conditioner to fertilise land. The amount of biogas and the quality of digestates obtained will vary according to the feedstock used. More gas will be produced if the feedstock is putrescible, which means it is more liable to decompose. Sewage and manure yield less biogas as the animal which produced it has already taken out some of the energy content. 

Applications  

In the UK, AD has until recently been limited to small on-farm digesters. However AD is widely used across Europe. Denmark has a number of farm co-operative AD plants which produce electricity and district heating for local villages, biogas plants have been built in Sweden to produce vehicle fuel for fleets of town buses and Germany and Austria have several thousand on-farm digesters treating mixtures of manure, energy crops and restaurant waste, with the biogas used to produce electricity.

AD is also widespread in other parts of the world. India and Thailand have several thousand mostly small scale plants. In developing countries, simple home and farm-based AD systems offer the potential for cheap, low cost energy from biogas. 

When treating municipal waste, AD can be used to process specific source separated waste streams such as separately collected food waste. The digestate will be uncontaminated so can be used as a soil improver. To minimise the impact our waste has on the climate, Friends of the Earth believes that compostable and recyclable material should be separated at source for treatment or reprocessing, using AD where suitable.

Mechanical biological treatment 

AD can also be combined with mechanical sorting systems to process residual mixed municipal waste (mechanical biological treatment or MBT). After recyclable and compostable materials have been separated from the waste stream, MBT is the best way to treat the remaining waste in terms of the environment, and in particular climate change.

In an MBT facility, the waste goes through two processes, though the order can vary:

1. machinery is used to mechanically remove any remaining recyclable waste still left in the waste stream (e.g. metals, plastics, glass)

2. the waste is composted or anaerobically digested. This reduces the volume of waste and makes it biologically inactive so it can be landfilled without releasing methane.
 There has never been a better time to consider setting up an AD plant.

• Central Government is encouraging AD through the Renewable Obligation initiative and capital grant funding
• It provides the only viable alternative to the disposal of biodegradable waste in landfill
• It provides a solution for livestock farmers to comply with the new NVZ regulations and earn additional income
• Farmers can become self sufficient in heat and electricity
• It is a highly sustainable and economically viable diversification opportunity

There are many different types of AD technology available ranging from wet to dry systems and a combination of the two. It is essential that the correct system is chosen to deal with the fuel source that will be feeding the plant. They range from simple wet systems taking in animal slurries with relatively low gas yields to sophisticated wet and dry systems taking in catering waste from food processors, green municipal waste or indeed abattoir waste.
 
The Government is actively encouraging investment in AD plants for a variety of reasons including the need to significantly reduce the amount of biodegradable waste dumped in landfill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide an alternative source of home generated household gas and electricity.
 
The incentives on offer include a double ROC for electricity generated through bio-methane, climate change levy, increased landfill gate fees and tax, enhanced capital allowances and generous capital grant schemes.
Farmers have never been better placed to exploit an emerging technology that not only solves a significant waste problem but also has the potential to generate significant income.

Establishing an AD unit can be an extremely profitable form of diversification but professional advice should be sought at the outset to ensure that the high level of investment is made in technology that is well proven reliable and is able to digest a wide range of fuel types if one source of fuel becomes scarce. 

Contact us on 02476 347171 or email us for a FREE no obligation consultation and quotation