The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) in Scotland commissioned this study to examine the potential of renewable heat from wood fuel, particularly in rural Scotland. Current Scottish Executive policy development includes a public consultation on the Forestry Strategy, development of the Energy Strategy and the Scottish Sustainable Development Strategy, and a review of the Scottish Climate Change Programme.

The research shows that small- to mediumscale wood-fuel heating could make a significant contribution to sustainable development - by providing locally-sourced, clean and economic heating with significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions and generate jobs in rural areas. click here to go to report.