Given that nearly 40% of global carbon emissions are generated by buildings, it’s more important than ever that buildings are designed and built in a sustainable way.
Not only does this reduce environmental impact and allow building owners to fulfil their legal obligations, but it also helps improve the health of occupants. Sustainable fireplaces produce lower emissions compared to traditional options, resulting in fewer pollutants and a lower overall impact on air quality.
Previously, we’ve explored several ways the construction industry can make their projects more sustainable. In this article, we’re going to look at the importance of fireplaces and why it’s crucial to choose a sustainable option when designing a building. Efficient fireplaces, such as natural gas fireplaces, play a significant role in reducing environmental impact while providing effective heating solutions.
Introduction to Eco Friendly Fireplaces
Eco-friendly fireplaces are a sustainable alternative to traditional fireplaces, offering a way to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire while minimizing harm to the environment. With the increasing concern about climate change and air pollution, eco-friendly fireplaces have become a popular choice for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint. In this article, we will explore the different types of eco-friendly fireplaces, including wood burning stoves, gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, and bioethanol fireplaces. We will also discuss the benefits of eco-friendly fireplaces, such as reduced emissions, energy efficiency, and cost-effective heating solutions.
Wood burning fireplaces: the risks
If a client wants a fireplace installed in a room, they have several options:
- Wood-burning fireplaces
- Gas stoves
- Electric fires
- Bioethanol fireplaces
These are all very popular choices. Unfortunately, not all of these fireplace options are environmentally friendly.
Take for example, the old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces. While these fireplaces are well-loved for the heat they generate and the cosy ambience they provide, they’re not always a green option. An open fire in these fireplaces releases toxic particles, generating a lot of smoke, soot, and ash, which can have an adverse effect on the environment around us and lead to poor air quality.
The UK Government has actually taken some action to reduce the damaging impact of wood-burning fireplaces on the environment, such as the launch of smoke control areas and the banning of burning wet wood.
However, this is still not enough to protect our living space.
The dangers of particulate matter
As well as smoke, soot, and ash causing a detrimental effect on the environment, wood burners can also be highly dangerous to human life.
Wood-burning fires produce a substance called particulate matter (PM) through the combustion process. This is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets containing dust, dirt, soot, and smoke. Some PM droplets are so tiny that they can settle in the lungs and cause health problems.
Data shows that while the amount of PM from wood-burning fireplaces is on the decline (due to the legislation that is in place), these fireplaces still emit more pollution than road traffic.
PM is even more of an issue in modern buildings that have been designed to be energy efficient and to retain heat. As these buildings are more airtight, it means PM can’t escape outdoors as easily, resulting in low air quality. This can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, tiredness, and an increased risk of debilitating respiratory conditions.
Eco-friendliness vs warmth: is there a trade-off?
Many people think that an eco-friendly fire implies an inauthentic one. Take, for example, electric fires. Electric fires are a fantastic sustainable option as they don’t generate fumes or any particulate matter, and they come in a range of designs and styles to suit every type of building. Additionally, electric fires are highly efficient in converting electricity to heat, achieving 100% efficiency in this conversion, which makes them an eco-friendly choice due to zero emissions.
Having said all this, electric fires do come with two key drawbacks. Firstly, they don’t generate a lot of heat. A typical wood burner has a maximum heat output rating of between 5 to 8-kilowatt hours (kWh), while with an electric fire, you can expect about 2kWh. This means that while a wood-burning fire can efficiently heat multiple rooms of a building, an electric fire can only warm one at a time.
Secondly, electric fires don’t offer the ambience that typical wood-burning fires do. An electric fire doesn’t crackle or hiss and doesn’t offer much in the way of dramatic dancing flames.
Bioethanol fires: a sustainable alternative
If you want to offer clients an environmentally-friendly option that provides an authentic flame, a bio ethanol fireplace (also known as a biofire) could be a fantastic choice. These fireplaces are eco-friendly heating solutions that do not require a chimney or flue, enhancing their versatility for both residential and commercial use.
These fireplaces run exclusively on bioethanol fuel. Bioethanol is a renewable energy source made from plant by-products like corn, wheat, and sugarcane. As it is made from a source that is quickly and easily replenished, this makes bioethanol fuel very eco-friendly.
The main benefit of bioethanol is that it burns cleanly without releasing dangerous by-products like particulate matter. The only emissions produced are heat, primarily water vapor, and a very small amount of carbon dioxide – the same amount as two burning candles.
This means no damage to the outdoor environment and no reduction in indoor air quality. With a bioethanol fire, you get a real, crackling flame without the environmental impact.
Another benefit of bioethanol fires from a construction perspective is that they’re easy to install. You don’t need a flue or chimney like you do with a wood-burning fire or a power source like an electric fire.
This makes them easy to place anywhere in a room. If your client fancies a change, they can pick their bioethanol fire up and move it somewhere else!
At this point you may be asking, do bioethanol fireplaces keep you warm? Bioethanol fireplaces are not designed to be a primary heating source like a wood-burning fire is. We would not recommend replacing the central heating system with a bioethanol fireplace.
That said, considering how small they are, biofires do pack a punch. You will be able to get the most out of them in smaller spaces or alongside another heating source.
Electric Fireplace Option
Electric fireplaces are a popular choice for those who want a low-maintenance and eco-friendly fireplace option. They are easy to install and require no venting or chimney, making them a great choice for apartments or homes with limited space. Electric fireplaces are also highly efficient, converting nearly 100% of the electricity they use into heat, and producing zero emissions. They are a great alternative to traditional wood burning fireplaces, which can produce harmful emissions and particulate matter. Electric fireplaces are also a cost-effective option, as they are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
One of the main benefits of eco-friendly fireplaces is their ability to reduce carbon footprint. Traditional wood burning fireplaces can produce significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions, contributing to climate change and air pollution. In contrast, eco-friendly fireplaces such as electric and bioethanol fireplaces produce minimal or zero emissions, making them a more sustainable choice. Additionally, many eco-friendly fireplaces are designed to be energy efficient, using renewable energy sources such as natural gas or bioethanol fuel. By choosing an eco-friendly fireplace, homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Cost Effective Heating Solutions
Eco-friendly fireplaces are not only good for the environment, but they are also cost-effective heating solutions. Many eco-friendly fireplaces are designed to be highly efficient, using advanced technology to maximize heat output while minimizing energy consumption. For example, electric fireplaces are highly efficient, converting nearly 100% of the electricity they use into heat. Bioethanol fireplaces are also a cost-effective option, as they use a renewable fuel source and produce minimal emissions. Additionally, many eco-friendly fireplaces are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, making them a great choice for homeowners who want to save money on their heating bills.
We can all contribute to environmental sustainability
When managing a construction project, it’s essential to consider the smaller details and how they can impact the eco-friendly nature of a building. Even a minor change to the process can have a significant effect on the rest of the project.
Of course, the client always has the final say in the type of heating source and fireplace they want to deploy for their project. If you believe sustainability is important to them, it’s vital to offer advice and a clear steer. Our knowledgeable staff can assist clients with selecting and maintaining eco-friendly fireplace options, ensuring they make informed and environmentally conscious choices.
If your client desires an authentic flame in their fireplace but also wants something green, sustainable and not harmful to the environment, a bioethanol fire is easily the best choice out there to tick all of these boxes.
Conclusion on Eco Friendly Fireplace
In conclusion, eco-friendly fireplaces are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy a warm and cozy living space. With a range of options available, including wood burning stoves, gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces, and bioethanol fireplaces, there is an eco-friendly fireplace to suit every need and budget. By choosing an eco-friendly fireplace, homeowners can enjoy a sustainable and cost-effective heating solution that is good for the environment and their wallet. Whether you are looking for a traditional wood burning stove or a modern electric fireplace, there are many eco-friendly options available that can provide a warm and cozy living space while minimizing harm to the environment.
