Woodfuel can be used safely, reliably and efficiently. In order to do this there are well established regulations and standards. It is also important to ensure that biomass fuels are sourced sustainably with minimal negative environmental impact.

• Standards

There are International standards that cover the specification and classification of woodfuel, to ensure efficient, trouble free operation, and others to ensure the performance and safety of combustion equipment.

• Regulations

There are a number of regulations in the UK to ensure woodfuel and other heating equipment is installed safely, that pollution is avoided, that wastes are handled and disposed of appropriately and that plant pests and diseases are not spread.

• Sustainability

The use of woodfuel for energy can give significant environmental benefits, but only if done in an appropriate way. Done wrong it can lead to significant negative environmental impacts. UK Government support for the use of biomass is dependent upon the demonstration that sustainability criteria have been met.

• Emissions

Burning any fuel produces a range of emissions and by-products. It is important to understand these and minimize them, and also put them into context.