The goal of the Interreg Alpine Space project BB-Clean is the sustainable use of biomass heating in the Alpine Region as a climate protection measure.
Biomass is a local and cost-effective resource which does not emit fossil CO2 into the atmosphere when burned. Its use is growing, particularly in the Alpine Region. In such areas there is a need to use local resources and increase energy self-sufficiency while reducing the impact on climate and the environment. For these reasons, the use of biomass in the Alpine Region makes strategic sense. Nevertheless, biomass burning produces constant particulate matter emissions, a fact which often goes unrecognised by the population and local authorities.
Particulate matter has an impact on natural ecosystems, human health, and also climate change. Biomass heating emits fine particles, so-called black carbon. Therefore the main objective of the BB-Clean project is to develop international measures for the sustainable use of biomass for domestic heating. Its goal is to minimise these impacts and ensure the sensible use of this resource in the Alpine Region. The project focuses on innovative open source and interactive approaches in order to raise awareness amongst residents and local authorities of the critical aspects of biomass burning. It will also define strategic, technological, economic and regulatory tools for limiting the effects of biomass burning in Alpine valleys.
Modelling will be used to evaluate the effects of selected measures, while innovative and sustainable business models will ensure the long-term success of the defined solutions. The development of joint documents as a basis for policy making will encourage the application of harmonised rules for the sustainable use of biomass in Alpine areas. With its cooperative network of partners from five different countries, and a large network of supporters and experts, the BB-Clean project will contribute to the vital transformation of behaviour, technology, environment and policy at both regional and EU level. Currently there is no common EU regulation for small-scale biomass appliances.