World Environment Day 2021: the sustainability of biomass heating

H ave you ever asked yourself, which is the best renewable energy source or why biomass is considered a sustainable source?

In consideration of World Environment Day 2021, we would like to talk precisely about the sustainability of biomass heating and how to heat your home ecologically.

What does World Environment Day represent?

World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June. Established by the UN in 1972, it is an opportunity to reflect on our Planet and our responsibility towards the environment.

Every year a specific theme is chosen, which for 2021 is “Ecosystem Restoration”. Other themes addressed on World Environment Day in the past also include desertification, biodiversity, and air pollution.

Renewable energy sources

Air pollution and heating are often linked to reflect on which are the best renewable energy sources and how to reduce emissions. Among the renewable energy sources most preferred in terms of environmental sustainability, we have:

• Solar energy
• Biomass energy
• Wind energy
• Geothermal energy
• Hydroelectric power

Keep reading to discover more about the sustainability of biomass heating, and also about wooden biomass heat sources such as wood and pellet stoves and fireplaces.

Biomass heating: What is it, and what is meant by wooden biomass?

Wooden biomass is considered one of the renewable energy sources able to contribute to containing climate change.

What is meant by the term biomass?

“Biomass” is organic plant or animal matter that can be used to produce energy. It is considered a renewable energy source because the carbon dioxide emitted during its combustion is subsequently absorbed by plants as they grow, thus forming a zero-emission cycle.

The term biomass is used to classify a number of materials of natural origin, for example:

• firewood
• pellets and wood chips
• twigs and the residue of agricultural and forestry activities
• waste from food industries
• waste fluids from farms
• seaweed

How does biomass heating work?

Biomass energy is obtained from the energy released during combustion: plants live thanks to photosynthesis, and absorb energy and carbon dioxide throughout their life. When wood or pellets are burned as fuel in stoves and fireplaces for domestic heating purposes, the accumulated energy and carbon dioxide stored within is released.

The advantages of heating with wood and pellets, renewable energy sources for domestic heat

The use of wooden biomass in our homes to produce energy for domestic heating dates back to the dawn of time: the wood we use in the fireplace is in fact biomass, just like pellets, the fuel obtained by processing wood. In Italy, wooden biomass represents the leading renewable energy source and is used by about 25% of Italian families (source: Italian Agroforestry Energy Association).

The E228 A hybrid stove in the Infinity Plus line has an A+ energy efficiency rating. It is a wooden biomass heating system that runs on both wood and pellets.

What are the advantages of biomass heating?

The use of wooden biomasses for domestic heating offers several advantages:

• they are carbon neutral; the carbon dioxide emitted through combustion is compensated by that absorbed by plants through photosynthesis.
• The wood comes from responsibly managed forests, in fact, Italian and European forested areas have been steadily growing in recent years.
• They are renewable resources that reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.
• Wooden biomasses are cheaper and allow savings on consumption with respect to other fuels.
• They are easy to source and available in abundance.
• They allow the transformation of waste into resources, for example wood working waste or residues after the clearing of forest
• They have excellent thermal efficiency.

How to heat your home ecologically: Sustainable heating systems, the choice of fuel, and good practices for using biomass heating systems

Having seen the advantages and sustainability of biomass heating, we must keep in mind that for wood and pellet domestic heating to be ecological, we need to be aware of how to use biomass systems. Let’s discover how.

The importance of the technological innovation of biomass heating systems: modern, low-emission boilers, stoves, and fireplaces

Technological evolution is a very important factor when considering the sustainability of biomass heating. The level of innovation of heat sources is what makes the difference: old stoves or open fireplaces are responsible for the emission of significant quantities of fine dust. This is not the case in modern-day heating systems, equipped with combustion regulation, filtration, and flue gas recovery systems. According to a study by the Italian Agroforestry Energy Association, latest generation devices produce up to 90% less particulate matter with respect to older types.

It is therefore advisable to use latest generation systems: Modern biomass boilers, fireplaces, stoves, and fireplace inserts guarantee low emissions and maximum efficiency.

Piazzetta wood and pellet inserts allow the easy conversion of an old open fireplace to an efficient heating system.

Certified quality wood and pellets

To optimise your heating system and protect the environment, we recommend using only properly dried and seasoned virgin wood, and certified pellets, in accordance with the suggestions of the manufacturer of the heating system.

Want some suggestions on how to choose your pellets? In the article “How to choose the best pellets? A small guide to smart purchasing” we explain how to choose the best pellets and offer advice on how to recognise quality pellets.

Good practices for managing and maintaining biomass heat sources

To guarantee the best performance of your wood or pellet heating system, it is important to follow a few good practices:

• installation by a qualified technician or installer
• regular cleaning of the stove or fireplace
• carry out the mandatory yearly maintenance.

Following these recommendations and good practices will help you ensure clean combustion and sustainable biomass heating. 

Economic benefits and incentives for the purchase of biomass heating systems 

As an incentive for the production of thermal energy from renewable and sustainable sources, the Italian Government has put in place a series of instruments aimed at renewing domestic heating devices and encouraging their replacement with new, modern, low-emission biomass heating systems. In fact, by installing a latest generation biomass heating system, you can enjoy the benefits of the Conto Termico 2.0, tax deductions such as the Ecobonus and Superbonus 110%, and be eligible for credit transfers. Thanks to the “Conto Termico 2.0” incentive, you can enjoy a refund of up to 65% on the cost of replacing old stoves and fireplaces with latest generation devices. Moreover, using the 50% credit transfer, the payment method introduced by the new “Decreto Rilancio” (Relaunch Decree) (Legislative Decree no. 34/2020, converted into Law no. 77/2020), you can purchase a new biomass heating system with a considerable and immediate invoice discount.

Find out how to save by purchasing a Piazzetta product that guarantees sustainable biomass heating, click here.

Designing sustainable heating systems: Latest generation, low environmental impact Piazzetta biomass stoves, fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and boilers.

Piazzetta’s commitment to sustainable biomass heating starts from the design of increasingly sustainable heating systems and the search for technological materials and solutions able to ensure performance that respects the environmental balance. Sustainability, innovation, and design are in fact essential elements in the development of our products, which have allowed us to obtain numerous certifications attesting to our compliance with the highest standards to guarantee the protection of the environment.

We develop certified products with an A+ Energy Efficiency Rating, with 4- and 5-star environmental certification. In addition, over the past several years we have adapted the design of our stoves and fireplaces to comply with European Ecodesign 2022 regulations. The latter sets out the obligation for the eco-friendly design of boilers and domestic biomass devices, with the aim of improving their energy efficiency and control of emissions.

Wood stove model E928 S with Majolica cladding, 5-star certification, A+ Energy Efficiency Rating and compliant with Ecodesign 2022.

Having understood what wooden biomasses are and why they are considered renewable energy sources, have you been persuaded to choose sustainable biomass heating?