Sustainable Heating Solutions

Wood fuel

Using wood from well-managed woodlands provides a renewable source of fuel as well as giving woodland owners an incentive to manage their land productively, thereby improving conditions for local wildlife.

The UK Government is committed to combating climate change by reducing carbon emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010 and 60% by 2050. Biomass, or plant matter that can be converted to fuel, which includes woodfuel, is a renewable source of energy that can make a contribution to achieving these targets.

Carbon released by burning woodfuel in modern, efficient systems is re-absorbed by growing trees in a cycle that reduces the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. There is some carbon released during the harvesting and processing activities but this negligible - particularly when compared to fossil fuels such as coal or oil.

Many people are now choosing to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, for example by recycling more of their rubbish or taking fewer flights. Using renewable energy is another way that people and local communities can take action to reduce carbon emissions. The Government calls this approach ‘one planet living’ – taking on the challenge to live within the planet’s means. Installing a woodfuel boiler is a practical step that can be taken to make a contribution.

Whilst renewable energy and carbon saving are the main objectives, utilising the resource in England’s woodlands achieves a great deal more. At current energy costs, woodfuel could save money as well as carbon.

Benefits of Woodfuel

• If correctly managed, woodlands are a sustainable resource
• It is possible to offset the carbon emissions from burning against the carbon uptake of the trees during the growth of the crop
• Woodfuel releases lower quantities of atmospheric pollutants
• Producing and using the woodfuel locally will help to minimise the impact of haulage costs
• Regions and communities with limited alternative natural resources for energy production can achieve a greater degree of self-sufficiency in their energy requirement
• Woodfuel provides opportunities for new companies to develop – providing new business opportunities and creating new jobs
• Woodfuel provides a potential market for small dimension early thinning material
• Woodfuel harvesting can have environmental and amenity benefits
• Currently a large proportion of wood residue and arboricultural debris is disposed of at landfill sites. This material could be used for energy generation and help to reduce the burden on limited landfill resources.

Our sister company, Northumbrian Woodfuels, specialises in the supply of all kinds of woodfuels. Please contact us for more details.