Wood pellets are almost carbon neutral. As a tree grows it absorbs carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. When wood is burnt, that CO2 is released back into the atmosphere.

This is known as a closed carbon cycle as no new stores of CO2 are being released.

Using wood pellets releases a small amount of CO2 when the cultivation, transport and processing of the wood involves the use of fossil fuel. We run our fleet on biofuels to keep carbon emissions to a minimum. Many wood pellet manufacturers also use lower quality wood waste to power their plants.

Overall carbon savings will depend on the type of fuel being displaced, and the way in which wood pellets are used. The Biomass Task Force has calculated that when used to generate electricity, wood pellets are 30 per cent efficient. When used to generate heat they are over 85 per cent efficient.

Other emissions from wood, such as phosphorous and potassium, are low and are left in the small quantities of ash which can be used as fertiliser.

However, when wood is burned to generate heat or electricity, it displaces fossil fuels, which prevents additional CO2 being released into the atmosphere.

The wood pellet industry also encourages the growth of sustainably managed forests. These improve the level of light reaching the forest floor, which enhances the diversity of plants and animals at ground level.

Sustainably managed forests also prevent a build up of the decaying plant matter that would otherwise release methane – another major greenhouse gas – into the atmosphere.