When you burn wood you are burning carbon that has been absorbed from the atmosphere in the form of trees (i.e. part of the “carbon cycle”), rather than releasing new carbon into the atmosphere which is what happens when you burn coal.

If you buy wood to burn you are also encouraging woodland management, which in turn helps wildlife that depends on woodland to thrive.

Burning wood is not however “carbon neutral”, as additional energy is required to manage, transport and process the wood.

Wood burning does generate pollutants, and may not be permitted in certain areas (smoke free zones). These can be minimised by choosing the right stove or boiler.

The Logpile website promotes wood as a source of renewable energy.

If you have an open fire, the majority of the heat generated goes straight up the chimney. In order to get maximum efficiency, choose a wood-burning stove (70% efficient) or boiler (up to 90% efficient).