The potential role of biofuels within the built environment

SYNOPSIS For most of man's life on earth the bulk of his energy needs have been met by the combustion of wood. The advent of the Industrial Revolution and the mining of coal in 18th century England led to dependence upon initially fossil, and later fossil and fissile, fuels within the industrialized nations and fuelwood consumption rapidly declined. Biomass (organic plant matter) has, however, continued to provide the main energy supply to the developing world. With the present day necessity to conserve fossil fuel reserves, particularly oil, renewable biomass energy sources are' once again being examined with everincreasing interest, both in the West and in Communist bloc countries, as well as in the Third World. The potential contribution of biofuels (fuels derived from biomass) within both developed and developing nations is examined, particularly with respect to their utilization within the built environment.