What is this guidance about?

Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) are best practice documents developed by Standards New Zealand along with EECA, industry, and other experts. This best practice guidance is for businesses and organisations on procuring energy efficient biomass boilers for commercial, institutional, and industrial applications. It also contains technical detail for engineers and consultants looking to assist with biomass boiler procurement or supply. 

Whether you’re replacing an existing boiler, transitioning from fossil fuels, or installing a biomass boiler for the first time, this guidance helps ensure you make informed decisions. It covers key considerations such as fuel sourcing, system efficiency, emissions control, and long-term operational costs.

Why getting biomass boiler procurement right matters

Selecting the right biomass boiler is essential for maximising energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring cost-effectiveness. The PAS outlines why careful selection and installation of biomass boilers is essential: 

  • High-efficiency biomass boilers can deliver significant fuel savings and lower operating costs. 
  • Choosing a system with efficient combustion technology helps minimise greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter. 
  • Ensuring the availability of sustainably sources biomass fuel reduces supply chain risks. 
  • Matching boiler capacity to actual heating demand prevents inefficiencies and excessive fuel consumption. 

Important biomass boiler considerations 

As outlined in the PAS, key features to consider when selecting a biomass boiler include: 

  • Fuel compatibility to ensure the system supports the intended fuel type.  
  • Effective systems to minimise particulate emissions. 
  • The system reliability, maintainability, and after-sales support to minimise downtime. 

Tips for a successful biomass boiler installation 

  • Plan for long-term fuel supply — establish contracts with reliable suppliers to ensure consistent fuel availability. 

  • Evaluate total lifecycle costs — consider not just upfront installation costs but also fuel, maintenance and operational expenses.  

  • Ensure site suitability — assess space availability, fuel storage needs, and any necessary infrastructure upgrades before installation. 

     

Ready to get started?

Before procuring a biomass boiler, review the full PAS to understand key technical specifications and best practice recommendations. The checklist in Section 2.11 will help you ensure all key factors in biomass boiler procurement have been considered.   

Check out the detailed guidance here. This link will take you to the Standards New Zealand website where you can download the PAS at no cost.