Industrial greenhouse gas emissions: Does CO₂ from combustion of biomass residue for energy really matter?

Woody biomass fuel combustion for industrial heating and processing is increasing in northwestern North Carolina. Sources are mainly biomass waste and residues, including sawdust and chips from the furniture and wood processing industries, greenwood chips from construction sites and right-of-way clearing operations, and wood removed from landfill streams. This paper evaluates 5 hypothetical scenarios for use and disposal of biomass waste to demonstrate effects of industrial combustion of this biofuel on the greenhouse gas emissions bundle. Conclusions are that use of biomass residue as a fuel can be a positive strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.