A wood heating system is the right choice for the increasing number of people who are concerned about our environment. Unlike systems that rely on fossil fuels, wood is a totally renewable resource, which, when burned, results in no net carbon dioxide increase. Carbon dioxide is part of the natural plant-growth cycle and occurs naturally when trees are allowed to rot on the forest floor.

On the other hand, fossil fuels, when burned, release carbon dioxide which otherwise would stay trapped in the earth. This causes a net increase in carbon dioxide, which is believed to be responsible for the heat-trapping "greenhouse effect." In addition, harvesting firewood has a pruning effect on forests, which allows new growth to flourish. And the wood you burn most likely comes from your local area -- it's not imported, as is the case with oil.

Compared to oil and coal, burning biomass fuels is relatively clean in environmental terms. It produces less sulphur dioxide and between 6 and 20 per cent of the carbon dioxide of oil. It also reduces the volume of waste going to landfill sites, by using organic waste as fuel.

The graph below shows the comparison of total greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel heating systems and a 460 kW wood fuel boiler for a group of buildings using wood chips from forest small roundwood.

(Taken off a report from research carried out by the Forest Research and North Energy Associates Ltd for the Sustainable Development Commision of the Scottish government. Full paper can be downloaded HERE)

Ireland is an ideal location for producing wood as a fuel and fast-growing trees, such as willow, flourish in the heavy local soil and damp conditions.

According to the 2003 papar on tillage by Teagasc at their Crops Research Centre, three huge advantages on a national level are:

• Energy production from biomass will reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
• Provide a secure native fuel source
• Provide some diversification out of traditional farm enterprises.

The full paper can be viewed by clicking HERE

In Northern Ireland, small businesses fulfilling certain criteria may be eligible for grants covering up to 40 per cent of the cost of installing wood-fired burners and boilers (capped at £3,000 or £5,000 depending on boiler size).  Find more information on the grants available at the Clear Skies website.