Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:21:03 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137181#Comment_137181 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137181#Comment_137181 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:16:04 +0000 renewablejohn https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137191#Comment_137191 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137191#Comment_137191 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:52:14 +0000 Joiner ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137192#Comment_137192 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137192#Comment_137192 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 13:53:51 +0000 SteamyTea Still it does not matter, only takes a year to grow the timber to make into pellets again ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137216#Comment_137216 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137216#Comment_137216 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:55:05 +0000 renewablejohn
http://www.thurrocktgdc.org.uk/swiftlg/apas/MediaTemp/-10507.pdf

Life is so easy with big six cash]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137228#Comment_137228 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137228#Comment_137228 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:06:50 +0000 Brianwilson http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/drax_shows_abroad_outlook_on_pelleting_plants_1_4289216
Drax apparently propose up to 5 pelleting plants in Nth and Sth America plus Canada, import to West UKports and transport to East Yorkshire for burning!!!. Tilbury fire will hopefully increase awareness of spontaneous combustion problem in biomass.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137229#Comment_137229 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137229#Comment_137229 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:14:17 +0000 DamonHD
Yes, they screwed up, but that's not a unique biomass issue.

Rgds

Damon]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137233#Comment_137233 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137233#Comment_137233 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:31:48 +0000 Joiner ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137234#Comment_137234 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137234#Comment_137234 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:35:16 +0000 SteamyTea Posted By: DamonHDYes, they screwed up, but that's not a unique biomass issue.
Just down the road from the is Shell Haven. It caught fire not once but twice. Lived nearby the second time (moved there because of the original fire) and 'all us kids' went to the top of Clay Hill, walked into the golf links and then watched the sky ablaze. Was an impressive sight. Did mean another year in Basildon though.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137249#Comment_137249 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137249#Comment_137249 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:00:01 +0000 DamonHD https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137992#Comment_137992 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=137992#Comment_137992 Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:29:40 +0000 Joiner

Don't know how I missed that!

Anyway, seems our native stocks of timber don't only have biomass to worry about...

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/200-ancient-woodlands-threatened-074239947.html

... or should biomass be worried about encroaching developments? ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138000#Comment_138000 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138000#Comment_138000 Sun, 04 Mar 2012 09:36:32 +0000 renewablejohn https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138005#Comment_138005 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138005#Comment_138005 Sun, 04 Mar 2012 09:59:04 +0000 Joiner
We only get the trees felled on the country park when they actually do start to look as if they've had it. A patch was felled only two weeks ago, but then we do have to be careful because it's all the reclaimed land of the old colliery workings, so root depth is virtually top-soil and whatever they can penetrate of the spoil heaps. It's why felled trees are left to rot. Because of the poor soil conditions, none of the mature trees could be called healthy. I'm usually calling the Ranger out to clear a tree that's fallen across a path!

And the trees are alongside the footpaths!

30 metres is a tad excessive. In fact I can't think of anything like that in the parts of the Wyre Forest we walk, so who thought that one up?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138169#Comment_138169 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138169#Comment_138169 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:32:10 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302193928.htm]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138173#Comment_138173 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138173#Comment_138173 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:13:41 +0000 ChrisEngland
Except, as usual with these things, it doesn't really give enough information - like the proportion of diesel to petrol engines - e.g. wouldn't be surprising if there's only 10% diesel, and also whether there are already disparate
emission controls on the different engine types.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138703#Comment_138703 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138703#Comment_138703 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:12:34 +0000 Mike.B
We have no gas in our village, our 1960 house is currently heated by oil and we need to replace the boiler when we have completed a fairly large extension. We are open to 'green' suggestions for heating the house but these must be reasonably economic. As I see it, the practical choice is between a new oil boiler and a wood pellet boiler with automated feed. We are not prepared to fill it up every other day. The wood pellet boiler would only be cost-effective if the RHI is in fact introduced.

Heat-pumps won't work for us as IMO they can only be worthwhile if you have under-floor heating and we don't.

Propane is too expensive.

We have already insulated the house as far as is reasonably practical.

We're tending towards going for the wood pellet boiler despite the large investment and huge amount of space required, but I am interested in comments from the forum. We will only go for something that works well, is low maintenance, is cost effective and does not involve major changes to the existing house.

Mike.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138706#Comment_138706 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138706#Comment_138706 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:37:09 +0000 SteveZ https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138707#Comment_138707 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138707#Comment_138707 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:50:09 +0000 pmusgrove https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138708#Comment_138708 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138708#Comment_138708 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:02:13 +0000 tony
What does this mean and and what are the economics looking like for more insulation vs savings in heating costs?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138719#Comment_138719 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138719#Comment_138719 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:29:08 +0000 Joiner ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138721#Comment_138721 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138721#Comment_138721 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:37:09 +0000 SteamyTea When you done all that put some more insulation in.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138726#Comment_138726 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138726#Comment_138726 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:19:09 +0000 renewablejohn https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138745#Comment_138745 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138745#Comment_138745 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:10:09 +0000 CWatters http://www.nottenergy.com/energy_cost_comparison/
Scroll down to the table and see "Pence per kWh (after boiler efficiency)"

Note that GSHP and ASHP assume a low temperature heating system such as UFH. At least that's what they told me when I asked a few years back.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138773#Comment_138773 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138773#Comment_138773 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:39:57 +0000 Mike.B
It would be possible to increase the loft insulation above the existing ~350mm but the benefits of doing so are marginal. The house is already cavity insulated and has double glazing. We could certainly upgrade the windows (double glazed but 20 years old) but I'd estimate the cost at around £40k.

Pellets are only worthwhile financially if the RHI is implemented as the capital cost is considerable and the green credentials although better than kerosene are not that brilliant.

This is a large house and we only heat the parts we (2 of us most of the time) live in. The heating controls are good even though the existing boiler is not.

Mike.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138792#Comment_138792 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138792#Comment_138792 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:15:44 +0000 WillInAberdeen I have exactly the same situation, went down same line of thinking as you.
Installed a Daikin 2-stage ASHP last August (Daikin Altherma HT 16kW)
So far it is happy running the existing rads at 75C.
Real-world CoP based on meter readings to date is about 2.5 - 2.7
Cost £11k installed. More than an oil boiler, but dont forget cost of installing an oil tank and filling it up with oil (several £k tied up there)
Much cheaper to run than oil (saving £1k/year) and lots of CO2
Is quite noisy
Am pretty pleased with it overall
I posted some data and opinions about it on other threads]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138794#Comment_138794 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138794#Comment_138794 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:21:29 +0000 WillInAberdeen BBC 'Farming today' had a report that straw prices for farmers are now very high, alledgedly because so much straw is being burned in power stations
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01cwvns/Farming_Today_09_03_2012/]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138802#Comment_138802 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138802#Comment_138802 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:30:24 +0000 SteamyTea Posted By: WillInAberdeenBBC 'Farming today'
Yes, heard it to, how many sheps did the Farmers mate have who was spending a £1000 a week on straw? Lots I should think.

We shall have to see if the new Super dairy Heard on the Archers makes a mention of this.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138834#Comment_138834 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=138834#Comment_138834 Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:55:19 +0000 Brianwilson Straw sustainability causes concern with 40% yield variation ,25% can be rendered unsuitable for purpose during storage and typically 12% lost due to arson. The current ROC payment indicates plant operator will receive £83 per tonne burned on top of payment for power sold to the grid.
Interesting to note a plant operator claiming generosity in contracted payment of £10 million for 240,000 tonnes of straw delivered to powerplant but current subsidy would indicate income of £19,910 ,000 for burning biomass.
On a visit to Nth Wales a local dairy farmer expressed alarm at the proposal to burn large quantities of straw when he was already struggling to source animal bedding. Straw also features in construction and it could be considered prudent to plough in straw to avoid use of fossil fuel based fertilisers.
Reference superdairies the Lincolnshire project for 4000- 8000 animals on one dairy site detailed proposed use of sand for bedding with food to be primarily waste from 1million tonne wheat to ethanol plant together with brewery waste plus lucerne. The application was rejected]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=148250#Comment_148250 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=148250#Comment_148250 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 08:15:48 +0100 SteamyTea http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120608100548.htm]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=148253#Comment_148253 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=148253#Comment_148253 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 09:14:40 +0100 Joiner
Watch this space?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=148256#Comment_148256 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6241&Focus=148256#Comment_148256 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 09:25:08 +0100 billt
40 years on it seems that it's going to be burning biomass, no doubt with just as much pollution!]]>