On Friday 21st February 2020, it was announced by the government that by February 2021 sales of bagged traditional house coal will be phased out, and the sale of loose house coal, direct to customers will come to an end by 2023.
Furthermore the sale of wet wood in units less than 2m cube will be phased out from February 2021. Wet wood that comes in volumes greater than 2m cube will also have to be sold with advice on how to dry it before burning.
What is wet wood?
Wet wood is wood that has a moisture content above approx 20%. Over time the moisture leaves the wood after it’s been cut. For wood to be dry or “seasoned” and ready for burning takes between one to two years. During this time, wood should be stored in a dry, well ventilated area.
What does this ban mean for wood burning stoves?
This means wood burning stoves will only be burning correctly seasoned (dry) wood, and the use of coal will come to an end. This is a positive move for everyone. Stove manufacturers, including ourselves, have invested significantly in creating highly efficient, environmentally friendly stoves that are Ecodesign Ready. By burning wet wood on even the highest efficiency stove, such as an Ecodesign Ready model, will mean you are not being as environmentally friendly as you can be. Not by a long shot. Burning wet wood creates additional pollution, and also increases the risk of congestion in a flue, which can lead to chimney fires.
What does this ban mean for the environment?
By banning the use of coal and wet wood will have a positive impact on the environment. As a stove manufacturer we can develop our stoves for optimum efficiency, and educate the public as much as we can about the vital importance of not burning wet wood, and avoiding the use of coal. But it will all be in vain if someone then decides to burn wet wood or use coal.
For a stove to be as environmentally friendly as possible it needs the correctly prepared fuel.…
Woodsure – Ready to Burn
For some time now, we have actively promoted Woodsure’s initiative “Ready to Burn”. This not-for-profit organisation has a focus on educating consumers about burning correctly seasoned wood. Consumers are able to buy Woodsure certified seasoned wood, the only scheme of it’s kind, at certain retailers around the UK. The logo, shown right is only displayed on wood that meets Woodsures requirements.
When the new rules come about from 2021, Woodsure will no doubt provide reassurance and act as an important reminder that wet wood is no longer available.
What next?
If you don’t do so already, we strongly urge you to commit to only buying correctly seasoned wood. You can identify such by looking for Woodsure’s Ready to Burn logo on firewood. Moving forwards this ban will further help position wood burning stoves as contributors to a cleaner, greener more sustainable environment.
