Brian Cox, chief executive of Bioenergy Association, is a finalist in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's Energy Leadership Award.
He was nominated by the Bioenergy Association board.
Mr Cox says the association's aim is to move organisations using coal and liquid fossil fuels into sustainable energy forms such aswood and liquid biofuels.
"Using wood residues from forestry harvesting and processing instead of coal and fossil fuels is good economically and for the environment.
"My focus is on minimising coal use to drive industrial processes and maximising greater use of wood."
He cites examples of Silver Fern Farms in Dargaville shifting from coal to wood pellets for their energy needs and Rosvall Sawmill using sawdust and shavings to fuel their kiln driers.
Mr Cox was the development manager with the Electricity Corporation New Zealand before starting his role with the Bioenergy Association in 2002.
