Green Building Forum - Biomass - a burning issue Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:13:50 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99002#Comment_99002 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99002#Comment_99002 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:42:50 +0000 Brianwilson Your comment on flowers does raise questions re land usage, needs, imports etc.
Rgds
Brian]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99003#Comment_99003 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99003#Comment_99003 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:51:33 +0000 SteamyTea But you can at least sea the lumps down here. Only too aware of the rainfall problem down here, always check the beach for cotton buds first.

Was a bit from the Mech E on the radio about population growth and what a 'challenge' it will be. Just like an engineer, here is a problem, let us sort it.]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99005#Comment_99005 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99005#Comment_99005 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:01:09 +0000 Joiner
You don't have to tell surfers and divers that mate!]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99007#Comment_99007 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99007#Comment_99007 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:13:00 +0000 SteamyTea ]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99043#Comment_99043 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99043#Comment_99043 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:58:20 +0000 djh Posted By: SteamyTeaWas a bit from the Mech E on the radio about population growth and what a 'challenge' it will be. Just like an engineer, here is a problem, let us sort it.
Yes, I guess we engineers never should have developed drains, or plumbing. Then we wouldn't have a problem with population growth.]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99046#Comment_99046 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99046#Comment_99046 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:00:39 +0000 SteamyTea ]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99052#Comment_99052 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99052#Comment_99052 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:38:00 +0000 Joiner ]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99057#Comment_99057 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99057#Comment_99057 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:21:21 +0000 Brianwilson Rgds
Brian ::bigsmile:]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99109#Comment_99109 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99109#Comment_99109 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:49:09 +0000 Brianwilson EPA delays C02 permit requirements for biomass.
Rgds
Brian]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99113#Comment_99113 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99113#Comment_99113 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:26:08 +0000 Joiner
"Sorry! We couldn't find the page you requested.

The page you requested is no longer available on Yahoo! News."]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99115#Comment_99115 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99115#Comment_99115 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:29:32 +0000 DamonHD
http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1936985/epa-delays-biomass-emissions-ruling-secures-texas-court-victory

Rgds

Damon]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99117#Comment_99117 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99117#Comment_99117 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:31:15 +0000 SteamyTea
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x9z74]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99118#Comment_99118 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99118#Comment_99118 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:34:17 +0000 Joiner ]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99120#Comment_99120 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99120#Comment_99120 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:04:33 +0000 Joiner Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99122#Comment_99122 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99122#Comment_99122 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:08:36 +0000 Brianwilson Does provoke thoughts on decision making/lobbying in energy provision.
Rgds
Brian :confused:]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99318#Comment_99318 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99318#Comment_99318 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:33:35 +0000 Brianwilson Does anyone have synopsis of Green Building article please as I have aversion to spending money on obtaining information that will increase blood pressure but still seek data that will expand knowledge on combustion impact.
Rgds
Brian]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99319#Comment_99319 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99319#Comment_99319 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:52:37 +0000 seascape Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99322#Comment_99322 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99322#Comment_99322 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 21:39:43 +0000 SteamyTea Was it:
"Health effects of concentrated ambient air particulate matter (CAPs) and its components"]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99325#Comment_99325 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99325#Comment_99325 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 22:07:10 +0000 Mike George Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99337#Comment_99337 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99337#Comment_99337 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 08:43:13 +0000 Joiner
Possibly explained (but would hate to assume) by GB's focus on CO2, as exemplified by GBP-Keith's angry reaction to Jim Ingrams' OP that completely omitted mention of emissions which, in the light of your (Brian's) subsequent posts about the plethora of factual information, surprised me. Even a passing concern over particulate emissions I would have thought warranted a mention. I'll seek out a copy on Monday, but until then Brian, does the article mention emissions? Even as, perhaps, a qualifier against OTT enthusiasm for what is CURRENTLY a pretty deadly technology by anyone's standards?

Would I be wrong in reading too much into Keiths subsequent absence from this debate since it acquired its current tone?

I think you will have gathered, Brian, that your contributions on this matter have raised not just interest but concerns amongst a great many of us.]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99364#Comment_99364 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99364#Comment_99364 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 20:54:17 +0000 Brianwilson I note alternative research details particulate emissions in excess of 800g/Gj for biomass boilers. There appears to be serious inconsistency in approach to use use of biomass combustion, research results and approach to impact.
The Swedish biomass combustion impact research programme detailed in http://www.mannagenergy.net/resources/12 raises concern due to lack of outcome details, why apparently not published to date?
The UK Gov application for special dispensation to avoid compliance with EU air quality directive causes concern when viewed against deliberate degradation of air quality by investment in massive use of biomass combustion. Points to ponder!
Rgds
Brian]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99365#Comment_99365 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99365#Comment_99365 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:05:28 +0000 Mike George Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99369#Comment_99369 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99369#Comment_99369 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:09:58 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.managenergy.net/resources/12]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99423#Comment_99423 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99423#Comment_99423 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:23:58 +0000 djh Posted By: BrianwilsonStill trying to track down report from Swedish National Energy Administration , promised 3 year study into Emissions and air pollution from combustion of biomass detailed to cover many aspects of impact, carcinogenic,cardiovascular etc . Understand it was carried out under European Commission and due to be published 2007-8. Anyone spotted this please.

Posted By: BrianwilsonThe Swedish biomass combustion impact research programme detailed in http://www.mannagenergy.net/resources/12 raises concern due to lack of outcome details, why apparently not published to date?

[n.b. correct link given by ST above]

I started to look to see if I can find the report you mentioned but now I'm confused. You provided a link to a summary of a study with the name you gave but which ran from 2000-2003. That summary gives a link to a PDF containing summaries of a host of publications from that project. Are you looking for one of those reports, or some other report not mentioned there?]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99436#Comment_99436 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99436#Comment_99436 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:27:48 +0000 Mike George Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99505#Comment_99505 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99505#Comment_99505 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:21:14 +0000 janzon The figures kindly produced by Brian in his many links to various publications don't mean much to my (in this subject) untrained mind. Number of particles per cubic metre means nothing to me unless I have something to compare it to.

How do the emissions from a domestic gasification log boiler, burning well seasoned wood at optimum temperatures for one year, compare to for example:

a suburban gardener burning wet leaves and hedge trimmings for a week each autumn,

one equestrian property leaving their muckheap smouldering 24/7,

an open fire,

a farmer burning an acre of straw stubble.

Are these PM10 & 2.5 only harmful to people in the immediate vicinity at the time of burning or do they spread far and wide and remain dangerous for a long time?

As Sweden appear to be decades ahead of the UK when it comes to the impact of human activity on health and the environment, I have been searching for any long term Swedish studies that would confirm Brian's assertion that biomass burning should be avoided, but I have yet to find any mainstream consensus to support this.

I am in no way casting any doubts on Brian's beliefs, I'm just trying to form a balanced view.

Jan]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99530#Comment_99530 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99530#Comment_99530 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:50:23 +0000 Brianwilson Back to biomass I note Industry and vested interests are lobbying hard against stop on biomass proposals for 7 schools in Scotland . Still seeking outcome of Swedish 3 yr study into impact but to Jan would recommend
http://www.biomasseverband.at/index.php?id=453 a Finnish study Author Raimo O Salonen MD Phd, Docent
Toxicological evaluation of fine particle emissions from biomass combustion. Report details fine particle pollution causes serious health problems in Europe, biomass combustion contribution far higher than vehicle emissions.

WHO(World Health Organisation) designate particulate pollution as most hazardous air pollutant
Have found www.swedishenergyagency.sc/web/gemnyckelR5.nsf/vfiles/219061.pdf Emissions from small scale combustion of biomass fuels and extensive quantification and characterization by Roger Westerholm .

Reference query on health impact there is no minimum safe level for exposure to particulates. They are known to travel 200km but serious problem locally due to inversion characteristics of biomass emissions and low exit height.
Rgds
Brian]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99539#Comment_99539 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99539#Comment_99539 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:42:15 +0000 Brianwilson http://www2.dmu.dk/Pub/PO_jest_2007_NOSA.pdf published by NERI University of Aarhus Roskildu Denmark.
Still seeking Swedish study report if anyone can help please. I become concerned when investigation into all aspects of biomass combustion is announced but no report apparently published after 3 yr study, unless you know better! Only a relatively recent convert to GBF I am aware this forum is a fountain of knowledge and it is understood from another thread some recognise God is among us in the form of Damon. We need all the help we can get to prevent deliberate degradation of air quality by unscrupulous profiteers or am I still missing something?
Rgds
Brian]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99540#Comment_99540 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99540#Comment_99540 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:46:21 +0000 bella
Although, plants gather their energy from the sun and carbon from the air, and some plants also fix nitrogen from the air, the trace elements, the ones you don't think about much when you add your fertilizer, are much more problematic - zinc, copper, iron, molybdenum, sulphur, iodine, selenium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus. These are all depleted by growing plants including trees and a constant cycle of renewal is required when plants are harvested. Renewal, other than by shit and compost and dead bodies gathered locally is always going to be energy intensive and most of the best stuff plus the hard won manufactured fertilzer, is being dumped in the sea or sent up into the atmosphere in a high temperature whoosh. The billions of bugs and fungi needed to keep the soil alive need the good stuff too and don't like all these sterilized, concentrated mixtures. It isn't the small holder and his own local timber supply we need to worry about it's the big boys as always. Drive across Americal (San Francisco to New York) where once the wheat prairies were and you will see corn and soya as far as the eye can see. Small oil producing plants are dotted at intervals along the highways. Add all this to the pollution issues and -----Ahhhhhhhhhh!]]> Biomass - a burning issue https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99543#Comment_99543 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=99543#Comment_99543 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 18:34:27 +0000 SteamyTea Posted By: bellaIt isn't the small holder and his own local timber supply we need to worry about it's the big boys as always

Could be why the Forestry Commission is quietly selling off our woodlands. (Sunday Times last weekend. Yes Brian another few hours wasted down at the harbour again).

Though having said that the largest producers in any field tend to be the most efficient. There was something on the radio earlier about food production and the calories needed to supply a calorie of food energy (seemed to range between 10:1 and 5:1) with most of the energy in 'feeding the land' from what I understood. Also large producers are better governed that smaller ones, but when things go wrong, they go wrong at a much larger scale, tarnishing the whole industry no matter what that industry is.
Much of it is about perception and I think that biomass burning has been branded as 'carbon neutral' and by definition a good thing, while the other issues connected with it such as land usage, crop substitution, transport, geographic and financial inequity and, this is where I agree with Brian 100%, particulate emissions. This does not mean that we can carry burning coal and oil, just that any replacement must be better in all respects not just one.]]>