The Stove Industry Alliance (SIA), which is the trade body for the wood burning stove industry has recently committed its members to start meeting new green laws, some 6 years ahead of schedule. This means all newly-designed wood burning stove models must meet the European environmental standard for particulate emissions. This standard is not due to be enforced until 2022.
Creating a Greener British Energy Source:
As we have mentioned in previous articles, wood burning stoves are known for their environmental sustainability and green credentials. The SIA want manufacturers to be ahead of the game by ensuring British wood burning stoves are even more environmentally friendly, and meet the new EcoDesign criteria.
The SIA are also to launch a new “SIA Ecodesign-ready” stamp, which will let potential customers know that a stove is highly environmentally friendly. HETAS will oversee the administration of the scheme. HETAS is the official body recognised by Government to approve biomass and solid fuel heating appliances, fuels and services.
(Virtually) Carbon Neutral:
Wood burning stoves provide a virtually carbon neutral sustainable heat source. Modern stoves also reduce particle emissions by 90% compared to an open fire, and between 80-84% compared to an older stove, which is a significant figure. Wood burning stoves are not only fuel efficient and green, they also provide a heat source for people who live off the gas grid.
Burning High Quality Wood:
Modern wood burning stoves, as stated, are virtually carbon neutral. Using high quality wood, burning such on a highly efficient stove actually emits less CO2 than natural decay.
Below are CO2 emission comparisons:
1. High efficiency stove burning quality wood – 0.008kg CO2 per kWh
2. Gas heating – 0.198kg per kWh
3. Electric heating – 0.517kg per kWh
UK Wood Burning Stove Facts:
1. Replacing an old, inefficient decorative gas fire with a new wood burning stove could reduce the carbon footprint of a house by 22%
2. More than 1 million UK homes are already using wood burning stoves and fireplace.
3. It is estimated that wood burning stoves offer a potential reduction in UK carbon emissions of over 2 million tonnes per year.
Learn more about wood burning stoves, and their significant benefits on the stove section of our website
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