Air quality is a key concern, which rightly so remains at the top of the agenda for many. In the past air pollution was seen mainly as an issue restricted to London and other major cities.
However, air quality has quickly become a nationwide issue. Much of the focus has been around NO2 (Nitrogen Oxide) and diesel engines, but burning wood has also been identified as a source of particulate matter.
It has been estimated that up to 10% of particulate emissions in London, during the winter comes from burning wood. (Dr Fuller, Kings College London)
The particular matter comes from the incomplete burning of wood, and the level of emissions depends on how the wood is burnt.
It’s estimated that 70% of burning wood burnt in London comes from open fires, not high efficiency stoves, this is despite the fact that under the Clean Air Act, wood can only be burnt in an exempt appliance.
(The Department of Energy & Climate Change).
The SIA (Stove Industry Alliance) have taken the initiative and introduced Ecodesign Ready Stoves. As mentioned in previous articles, these stoves are helping address the air pollution issue, as they reduce particulate emissions by a huge 90% compared to an open fire.
Although stoves only contribute to a small percentage of the UK’s total particulate emissions from burning wood, manufacturers, such as Charlton and Jenrick have taken the initiative to further position themselves as manufacturers of highly environmentally friendly heating products.
The Ecodesign Ready scheme is a true testament to this, and the industry commitment to a cleaner environment, spearheaded by the SIA, where Charlton & Jenrick are members of their Executive Committee.
The SIA have done a superb job in really helping push the Ecodesign initiative. Without them Ecodesign awareness simply would not exist.
Sadly people flouting the law and burning wood on open fires in smoke free zones have to some degree slightly tarnished the image of burning wood. But with the introduction and wide scale communication of Ecodesign, this should lessen dramatically.
Ready to Burn:
Although the Ecodesign Directive is a great example of the industry taking charge and actively helping create a cleaner environment, it doesn’t just end there. A key to lower emissions when burning wood, is not just about using a high efficiency stove, it is about burning the right type of fuel – the right type of wood.
We have spoken at length about the need for using correctly seasoned wood. However, there will still be many people who fail to use the right wood, even though they have wisely invested in an Ecodesign stove.
The introduction of “Ready to Burn” wood will make it easier for consumers to buy logs, which have been sufficiently dried. The SIA have been working with Woodsure and the main bagged log suppliers, in association with DEFRA to create this new category of wood fuel. Ready to Burn is currently in development, you can follow it’s progress on Twitter @StoveIndustry and @WoodsureFuel
Communicating The Benefits:
As manufacturers of Ecodesign Ready stoves, we have a role to communicate the benefits of such, and how such stoves contribute to cleaner air. This role also extends to other stove manufacturers, SIA and the government. Together we can help raise awareness and communicate the benefits.
Learn more about our stoves, including our Ecodesign stoves here
