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Carbon emissions are a significant concern in the fight against climate change. However, not all carbon emissions are created equal. Understanding the difference between biogenic carbon and fossil fuel carbon is crucial for developing effective environmental policies. In this blog post we look at the key differences between the two as well as considering whether heating with a wood burning stove can be considered carbon neutral.

Biogenic Carbon refers to carbon that is part of the natural carbon cycle, this includes the carbon released when burning wood logs. It is stored in and emitted by organic matter such as plants, animals, and soil. When plants, such as trees, absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis, they store carbon in their biomass. This carbon is released back into the atmosphere when the trees decay or are burned as wood fuel. Because this carbon is part of a relatively short-term cycle, it is often considered carbon neutral.

Fossil Fuel Carbon, on the other hand, originates from ancient organic matter that has been buried and transformed into coal, oil, or natural gas over millions of years. When these fuels are burned, they release carbon that has been locked away for eons, adding new CO2 to the atmosphere. This contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect and global warming. In the UK, fossil fuels still form part of the energy mix, although their use has been declining in favour of renewable sources.

As well as the differing origins, a fundamental difference lies in the carbon cycle. Biogenic carbon is part of a fast cycle, where carbon is quickly absorbed and released. Fossil fuel carbon is part of a slow cycle, where carbon is stored for millions of years before being released. This distinction is critical for climate strategies. The UK’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 relies heavily on reducing fossil fuel use and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.

While both biogenic and fossil fuel carbon contribute to atmospheric CO2 levels, because the biogenic carbon released when burning logs in a stove is part of the natural carbon cycle as outlined above, the combustion of biomass is considered by many, including the Scottish Government [1], as being net zero at the point of use. The graphic below explains this visually:

As the graphic shows, the CO2 emissions generated at the point of use from biomass combustion are being balanced out by the CO2 that was absorbed from the atmosphere while the tree grew.

Ensuring the wood fuel that we use in our stoves is sourced from well managed feedstocks is essential in maintaining this carbon cycle balance. We must also be mindful that some fossil fuel carbon emissions are generated through the production, processing and shipping of wood fuel, just as there are with most commodities. However, these processes do not change the carbon released by the wood log when it is burnt, and they will reduce as more of the processes involved use renewable energy

The SIA therefore considers wood fuel combustion for domestic heating to be very close to net zero and seeks to encourage an understanding of these differences so that policy will be shaped to mitigate climate change effectively while maintaining consumer choice.

References: [1] www.gov.scot/publications/bria-new-build-heat-standard-amended-2024/pages/3/