A distillery in Mexico and a care home in Cumbria seem to have little in common. However, both have recently done their bit for the fight against climate change by installing biomass boilers.
With global warming high on every country’s agenda, the need to reduce our carbon emissions should be on everyone’s mind. It is not just up to governments to reduce our output of carbon dioxide. Every homeowner should be conscious of doing their bit, even if it is just through a new boiler installation.
These business’ decision to lower their emissions and energy bills through biomass boilers is part of a growing trend.
Biomass Boilers explained
Biomass boilers work by burning biomass, or plant material; typically wood pellets. This means that the amount of carbon dioxide they’re emitting is the same as what was absorbed during the years the plant was growing. This process is sustainable, provided that new plants are planted to replace those which are burnt to produce the energy.
There are, of course, some carbon emissions produced by the cultivation, manufacture and transportation of the biomass fuel itself. However, if this fuel is produced and harvested locally, this is typically far lower than that made through burning other fossil fuels.
How can householders help
Installing a biomass boiler is significant, costing a considerable amount of money and needing some time. Because of this, a biomass boiler is usually only installed by a large business. The distillery’s biomass boiler took 10 months to build, while the care home needed a new building to house its new boiler.
Normal householders may not be able to install a biomass boiler to do their bit to reduce climate change. But, simply choosing a new energy efficient boiler will help in the long run.
Although recent measures in Britain, including greater investment in renewable energy sources, are helping to reduce carbon emissions, the country still has a way to go. Under the Climate Change Act, we have committed to reduce emissions by at least 80% by the year 2050.
Replacing your boiler will not only save money in energy bills but will also reduce its carbon footprint. Buying a new Worcester Bosch boiler, for example, could save hundreds of pounds every year on fuel bills, as well as helping with climate change.
You may not have the space or money for a biomass boiler, that’s fine. However, most homes could certainly benefit from a more energy efficient boiler.