In January 2022, it became a legal requirement in the UK for all new wood-burning stoves to be Ecodesign-approved. These regulations set new minimum seasonal efficiency and maximum emission requirements. Emission limits include those for OGM (Organic Gaseous Compounds), PM (Particulate Matter), CO (Carbon Monoxide) and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides).
While Ecodesign is an impressive standard to reach in terms of stove efficiency, clearSkies goes further.
About clearSkies:
clearSkies is the objective and independent emissions and energy performance certification mark for solid fuel stoves and fireplaces. For a few years, the stoves in the Charlton & Jenrick range have been clearSkies certified. The clearSkies certification scheme for wood-burning stoves was launched in 2020.
Objectives of clearSkies:
– To incentivise the further development of more efficient stoves
– Provide a nationally recognised standard of verified appliances in terms of emissions and efficiency
– To identify, by seeing the clearSkies mark, that an appliance reaches and/or exceeds those set by Ecodesign
– Help to provide informed choices for buyers
There has been too much misinformation about burning wood in the media recently, which has unfairly clouded the waters for consumers who want to make an informed decision about a stove purchase. The fact is that new wood-burning stoves are incredibly efficient, and the industry is constantly evolving to produce the cleanest and most environmentally friendly stoves possible. Ecodesign and clearSkies are both clear evidence of this. Few other industries try as hard as those in the solid fuel space to improve and refine their offering continually.
Going further than Ecodesign Ready.
The clearSkies initiative, created from an original idea by the Stove Industry Alliance and industry partners, is a “one-stop” certification mark to promote the best performing wood-burning stoves on the market.
All Charlton & Jenrick wood burners are certified with clearSkies – a testament to our continual commitment to cleaner, greener ways to keep warm. The scheme is independently owned and run by clearSkies Mark Ltd, administered by Kiwa Ltd.
Improving air quality:
A clearSkies appliance will help to improve air quality by dramatically reducing emissions. Independent tests show that a clearSkies appliance produces up to 90% fewer emissions than an open fire and up to 80% less than a stove that is 10 or more years old.
clearSkies Levels:
As you can see from the diagram above, the clearSkies start from levels 2 to 5. All clearSkies Level 3 and above comply with both systems of emissions certification. Even better than this, it is now possible to identify products that are cleaner burning and outperform the basic Ecodesign requirements. Level 4 clearSkies indicates that a composite of emissions and efficiency is at least 15% better than Ecodesign, and Level 5 is 15% better than the aforementioned level 4. So, while Ecodesign is an impressive standard clearSkies really does push the limits of efficiency.
Reaching the top levels of efficiency!
Most Charlton & Jenrick products achieve a clearSkies level 5, and the remainder sit at level 4.
Things to consider:
By swapping from an open fire to a clearSkies-approved stove, you will reduce your particulate emissions by up to 90%.
It costs less to run a clearSkies stove than a 10-year-old stove, as you need fewer logs for the same heat output. By investing in a clearSkies stove, you are future-proofing yourself. Not only does a clearSkies stove meet various legislation – it often exceeds it!
All clearSkies stoves & fireplaces have been independently verified as meeting the latest standards. For clearSkies Level 3 and above, this includes UK legislative requirements on smoke control zones.
