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

Nikolaos Savvakis, Stavroula Tournaki, Dimitra Tarasi, Nikos Kallergis, Tryfon Daras and Theocharis Tsoutsos ()
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Nikolaos Savvakis: Technical University of Crete, TUC Campus
Stavroula Tournaki: Technical University of Crete, TUC Campus
Dimitra Tarasi: Technical University of Crete, TUC Campus
Nikos Kallergis: Technical University of Crete, TUC Campus
Tryfon Daras: Technical University of Crete, TUC Campus
Theocharis Tsoutsos: Technical University of Crete, TUC Campus

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2022, vol. 24, issue 4, No 42, 5473-5495

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Woody biomass; Indoor air quality; Outdoor air quality; Biomass heating; Fireplaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01667-8

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