There has been a lot of attention around wood burners and wood burning stoves recently, leading many to wonder: are log burners bad for the environment or can they be a sustainable wood burning option? The truth is that the environmental impact of wood burning stoves depends on several factors, such as the fuel used and the age of the stove.
Wood is a renewable energy source, not a fossil fuel. It is widely available, and when sourced from sustainably managed forests, such as FSC® (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified UK forests, it can be a very sustainable wood burning option. Compared to fossil fuels, burning wood is far kinder to the environment, as wood produces only 0.008kg of CO2 per kWh, whereas gas emits 0.198kg and electricity emits 0.517kg. This makes wood a more eco-friendly heating solution, often regarded as a carbon-neutral fuel when used correctly.
What About Wood Burning Stove Emissions?
While wood burning stoves still contribute to particle pollution, the emissions are much lower than originally thought. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) recently revised its data, lowering the estimated share of small particle pollution from wood burning stove emissions from 38% to 17%. This decrease is partly due to the increased use of modern, efficient stoves and the reduction in open fires.
All forms of combustion create emissions, and burning wood is no exception. However, a modern wood burner that is correctly maintained and used with the right fuel can minimise environmental impact. In fact, upgrading to a stove less than 10 years old can reduce emissions by 80%, while replacing an open fire with a stove can lead to a 90% reduction in particulates.
The primary pollutant from wood burning is ultra-fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, which can affect the respiratory system. According to Defra, long-term exposure to PM2.5 may exacerbate conditions like asthma. Nevertheless, switching to a newer stove and using well-seasoned, low-moisture wood can significantly cut these emissions, supporting a more sustainable wood burning approach.
Are Wood Burners Eco-Friendly?
Yes, wood burners can be eco-friendly, provided they are used correctly with the right fuel. Dry wood is essential for a clean and efficient burn. To ensure you’re burning wood efficiently, make sure the wood has been split, stacked, and dried in a suitable environment, with a moisture content of less than 20%.
Is burning wood bad for the environment? It can be if the wrong type of wood is used. That’s why since May 2021, only wood certified with the Ready to Burn logo, which guarantees a moisture content below 20%, can be sold in England. Using properly seasoned wood with low moisture content reduces emissions and ensures a more environmentally friendly burn.
Woodlets’ Roastie-Toasties and Woodlets Briquettes are both certified under the Ready to Burn scheme, with moisture contents well below 10%, making them ideal for a clean and sustainable wood burning experience.
Benefits of Wood Burning Stoves
Despite the concerns around wood burning stove emissions, the benefits of modern wood stoves make them a highly attractive heating option. Wood burners provide a warm and cosy ambience while offering a cost-effective alternative to heating your home. They also offer greater energy independence, especially when fossil fuel prices fluctuate.
More importantly, when used correctly, wood burners present a sustainable wood burning solution, supporting the transition to greener, renewable energy sources. So, while there are emissions associated with burning wood, the key lies in using the right fuel, maintaining your stove, and keeping up to date with the latest environmental standards.
Woodlets Roastie-Toasties and Woodlets Briquettes both hold the Ready to Burn logo and have a moisture content of well below 10 per cent.