TITLE:
Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Energy Self-Sufficiency of Woody Biomass Utilization for Residential Heating: A Case Study of Nishiwaga, Japan
AUTHORS:
Daisuke Sawauchi, Daisuke Kunii, Yasutaka Yamamoto
KEYWORDS:
Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Energy Self-Sufficiency, Woody Biomass, Bioenergy, Residential Heating, Japan
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.6 No.4,
April
13,
2015
ABSTRACT: Renewable
energy sources, including bioenergy, are presently attracting considerable
attention as possible substitutes for fossil fuels. Among the various sources
of bioenergy, biomass can arguably play a significant role in the reduction of
greenhouse gases and the provision of a stable energy supply. However, the use
of fossil fuels continues in the production of bioenergy. Consequently, the
overall extent to which biomass utilization for energy can reduce carbon
dioxide emissions as a substitute for fossil fuels and whether this can improve
the energy self-sufficiency rate remains largely unknown. This study responds
to these questions using a case of a Japanese rural community using firewood
for residential heating. The results showed that woody biomass utilization for
energy is able to both reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate
climate change. These findings offer new insights into the development of
sustainability in rural communities.