Environmental effects from the use of traditional biomass for heating in rural areas: a case study of Anogeia, Crete

Nikolaos Savvakis,Theocharis Tsoutsos,Nikos Kallergis,Stavroula Tournaki,Dimitra Tarasi,Tryfon Daras

doi:10.1007/s10668-021-01667-8

Nikolaos Savvakis, Theocharis Tsoutsos + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01667-8

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Abstract

In several European rural communities, woody biomass is counted among the most important energy sources for heating and cooking. However, the use of old-fashioned fireplaces may affect indoor and outdoor air quality. To depict this situation and to plan the necessary improvement interventions, a pilot action was implemented in a typical mountainous Mediterranean area (Anogeia, Crete). The action involved: (1) identification of the quantities, use and source of the woody biomass used in the community based on the analysis of data collected through a systematic survey; (2) on-site indoor and outdoor measurements of air quality (CO2, CO, NOX, PM), during winter and summer. Based on this survey, around 70% of the study area households in Anogeia using woody biomass for heating purposes in low energy efficiency systems resulted in high firewood consumption. Fifty-three per cent of occupants did not consider indoor air quality as a result of wood burning. The air quality analysis showed very high concentrations of indoor air pollutants in most old buildings with seniors using traditional heating systems. The type of main/supplementary heating system used in a dwelling depends on factors such as the size of the dwelling, year of construction, education level and age of occupants. The results also demonstrate a strong correlation between the heating season (summer/winter) and the concentrations of air pollutants in the sampling sites.

Highlights

In Europe and globally, hundreds of biomass exploitation plans exist at urban or rural level (Neves et al, 2015; Gould et al, 2018; Wood and Roelich, 2019).Woody biomass constitutes a key renewable energy source to meet the 32% European target until 2030 (EC, 2018)
Based on the current survey, around 70% of the study area households in Anogeia using woody biomass for heating purposes in low energy efficiency systems resulted in high annual consumption of firewood
The results demonstrate a strong correlation/liaison between the heating season, and the concentrations of air pollutants in the sampling sites

Summary

Introduction

In Europe and globally, hundreds of biomass exploitation plans exist at urban or rural level (Neves et al, 2015; Gould et al, 2018; Wood and Roelich, 2019). Woody biomass constitutes a key renewable energy source to meet the 32% European target until 2030 (EC, 2018). For more than 2.5 billion people, biomass is the primary heating and cooking source of energy, in the (Mediterranean) rural communities, usually inhabited by low-income occupants. The primary concern is the need to combine the current use of biomass with local environmental and health implications, as well as it’s efficient and sustainable exploitation/utilization. The current potential social systemic modifications influence the selection of wood heating, so further research is required to promote its extensive possible exploitation (Edling and Danks, 2018)

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