A coppicing firewood area has been planted that will provide the majority of Totarabank's thermal energy requirement, providing a long-term heat energy sustainability option.

A coppicing wood is one that naturally regrows from the stump when the tree has been felled. The trees are left to re-grow for 6-8 years before being felled again. With replanting required only every 6th or 7th crop, the plantation at Totarabank will provide free firewood for residents for the next 50 years!

Three species of trees have been selected based on their ability to provide the best heat output - these are Eucalyptus Nitens, Eucalyptus Ovata, and Acacia Dealbata.

Provision of on-site renewable fuel reduces net fossil fuel consumption, is carbon neutral, and reduces energy transportation wastage. Use of gas and electricity for heat production incurs heavy efficiency losses in conversion from one form of energy to another (i.e. gas power stations producing electricity) and in transportation (line losses in electricity transmission and fuel energy used to transport gas cylinders). On-site provision of timber for heat energy production removes these losses.

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