Heat and energy from wood

Austria - country of forests

With a forest area of around 48% of the national territory, Austria is a country rich in forests. Every year, more wood grows in Austria than we use, a "surplus" of wood that would be enough to build around 105,000 additional single-family homes. The material and energetic use of wood is not only of particular importance for achieving the climate goals, but also secures income and jobs in our regions.

However, climate change and its consequences confront forests and their managers with major challenges. One of the main causes of climate change is the release of fossil CO₂ - it must be reduced. A special focus should therefore be placed on the potential for substituting climate-damaging products with sustainable wood products. By using wood, CO₂-intensive substances can be replaced and at the same time CO₂ can be stored in wood products. Timber construction in particular can thus make an active contribution to a construction sector that is fit for the future and climate-friendly.

Wood as a source of energy

Biomass obtained from residual substances and by-products of forestry, from wood processing as well as from the paper and cellulose production is a sustainable means to ensure climate-friendly energy supply. When wood is used to generate energy, only as much carbon dioxide is released as the tree has previously removed from the atmosphere. Only for extraction, processing and transport are small additional quantities of CO₂ released.

In the case of fossil fuels, however, carbon dioxide which was stored millions of years ago over long periods of time are released within a short time and now intensifies the greenhouse effect. As a renewable raw material, wood promotes our independence from fossil fuels and offers opportunities for a decentralised energy supply.

Correct heating

Correct heating in suitable systems is important - otherwise pollutants are emitted. When heating with wood, outdated stoves, poor maintenance, incorrect operation and the co-incineration of waste lead to considerable pollutant emissions. The correct use of wood as a fuel is very positive from an environmental point of view.

Please note

• The right fuel: dry wood, pellets or wood briquettes
• Correct stoking: so that the gases produced when heating wood are channelled through the hot flames
• The right oven

Using forests sustainably and thereby replacing fossil fuels (via products with a lower CO₂ footprint or directly) is the most effective method of climate protection. This is the conclusion reached by a consortium of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, the Austrian Environment Agency and the Federal Research Centre for Forests as part of the multi-year CAREFORPARIS research project.