PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET

Research topic: What is the viability of small-scale biomass CHP systems in the UK? Project stage: Researcher: Digital Survey David Linsley-Hood

Research dates: November 2013 to April 2014

Ethics Committee Reference Number:

Introduction
We would like to invite you to take part in a research project that is investigating the viability of small scale Biomass CHP systems in the UK. This survey aims to identify the industry perspectives on number and status of Biomass CHP projects that have been considered and the impact of current incentive schemes on their development. This will be undertaken through a short digital survey. This is a University research project, not a commercial or government survey, and the results will be used to contribute to our knowledge and understanding of how the design, environmental performance and sustainability of biomass CHP projects can be improved. The research is being undertaken through Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Your Participation in the Research Project - Why you have been asked?
The project aims to interview a relevant cross-section of engineers, project developers and industry specialists in the biomass field and the wider M&E industry, in the UK. There are two stages to the survey process This is a digital survey that aims to establish baseline information from a wide range of people which forms the first stage of this research. You have been either contacted directly by David Linsley-Hood via Linked-In, or though other existing email contact arrangements between yourself and the doctoral research student. Alternatively requests for participants have been placed on several online discussion boards, and therefore you may have self-selected yourself for participation. As part of this initial process, you will be asked if you would like to take part in a further more detailed series of questions. There is no obligation to take part in either part of this survey, and agreeing to undertake the digital questionnaire does not obligate you to take part in any

further interviews. You will be asked if you would be willing to participate in further interviews related directly to this research project, however you are free to withdraw at any point.

Your involvement
In order to proceed, it is important that you are clear about what your participation will involve so that you are in a position to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to take part.

The researchers are asking participants to contribute their ideas, experiences and opinions in relation to projects in which they have been professionally involved. During the questionnaire, questions will be asked in relation to your field of work, the number and type of interaction you may have had with projects related to Biomass CHP technology, your opinions on the various support and incentive mechanisms that are in place to support Biomass CHP. However you are not obliged to answer any of the questions, or provide reasons for not answering.

You will have an opportunity to comment about the interview questions at any stage or raise any issues. The information that you provide will help us to better understand issues relevant to small scale biomass CHP development.

What happens if you want to change your mind?

If you decide to join the study you can change your mind and stop at any time. We will completely respect your decision. If you want to stop it would help us if you could let us know.

What would happen if you agree to participate?

If you agree to join the study, then there is a web-link to the digital questionnaire where you can complete the questions.

This questionnaire should take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete. We are required to ask you to sign a consent form prior to commencement.

Are there any risks?

We do not think there are any significant risks due to the study.

Your rights
Joining the study does not mean you have to give up any legal rights.

Anonymity
The researchers will take all reasonable steps to preserve your anonymity and we will respect your privacy at all times. When producing project reports and other publications based on the research, the data that we collect from the interviews we conduct with you will be presented in an anonymous form. This means that we will not provide any information that would positively identify you.

The researchers are bound by the terms of the data protection act and, unless you give permission, we will not disclose any personal or commercially sensitive information we hold to anyone outside the research team. When the researcher has finished the study and analysed the information, the consent form and all the forms we use to gather data will be held securely at the University and will be destroyed after 5 years.

Withdrawal
The researchers fully understand that you may change your mind about being involved in the project and would reassure you that you are free to withdraw from the project at any time. If you feel it necessary to withdraw, all information will be deleted and if requested all research data relating to your interview will also be deleted.

Further Information
If you have any queries about the project, or would like further information before making up your mind, please dont hesitate to contact David Linsley-Hood:

David Linsley-Hood dalinsley-hood@cardiffmet.ac.uk Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff School of Art & Design, The Ecological Built Environment Research & Enterprise (EBERE) group Western Avenue, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff, CF5 2YB, UK.

Research Team:
David Linsley-Hood dalinsley-hood@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Cardiff Metropolitan University Supervisors

Dr John Littlewood Paul Wingeroth jlittlewood@cardiffmet.ac.uk PWilgeroth@cardiffmet.ac.uk