Members of the Association for Organics Recycling (AfOR) have voted to integrate the trade body into the Renewable Energy Association.
The process of merging the two organisations will be completed by the end of the year and take REA’s membership to over 1,000 companies and individuals.
As a result of this, AfOR managing director Jeremy Jacobs will become REA technical director.
AfOR;s current certification activities, covering composting and biodegradable packaging will move to the REA’s wholly owned subsidiary Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd (REAL).
REAL and AfOR staff have already been working together for two years on the biofertiliser and green gas certification schemes. While AfOR training programmes will continue as part of the REA’s programme of training courses for members and non-members.
AfOR managing director and new REA technical director Jeremy Jacobs said: “We chose to merge with the REA because many of our members are increasingly active in anaerobic digestion and the supply of renewable fuels.
“This move will therefore bring tangible benefits to existing members of both associations. In addition, our certification activity has natural synergies with the two existing biogas certification schemes run by the REA’s subsidiary company REAL.”
REA chief executive Gaynor Hartnell said: “I’m determined that the UK makes more of its organic resources, for both energy production and enhancing soil quality.
“Waste management and renewable energy are entirely complementary, yet can so easily fall through the gap between different Government departments. The needs of the organics sector will now form part of REA’s high level advocacy with Government. We will be pressing hard for a joined-up approach.”
