There has been a large amount of speculation regarding the Clean air strategy and the worry that they are banning woodburners. We alone have received many calls from existing, past and future customers that want answers.
Of course we can help with all these queries and are happy to answers any of the questions that you have regarding selecting an appliance, using it, looking after it and anything else.
We have been working alongside all of our manufacturers and have been aware of the act coming into place for many years now. Our team have been attending training for these new appliances and have seen a large amount of products that have already been through the testing and are ECODESIGN READY!
“Government statistics have indicated that nationally 40% of wood is burnt on open fires.
This rises to 70% when it comes to London, despite the fact that burning wood on an open fire is not permitted under the current Clean Air Act.” – SIA (Stove Industry Alliance)
On the 22nd May 2018 the Environment Secretary Michael Gove published a Clean Air Strategy which aims to cut air pollution and save lives, backed up through new primary legislation. What does the strategy say and how will it impact you?
The new strategy is a key part of Defra’s 25 Year Plan to leave our environment in a better state than we found it. HETAS, Woodsure and The Stove Industry Alliance have all been consulting with Defra for some time now and once again Defra has clarified they are not looking to implement a ban on wood stoves.
Just to clarify there is – No ban on wood stoves.
The Clean Air Strategy summarises actions to reduce emissions from domestic burning, clearly identifying there is no intention to ban wood burning stoves.
The key points:
The strategy also suggests Defra will give local authorities powers to go further in areas of high pollution – for example exploring what further steps government can take to enable local authorities to encourage ‘no burn days’ during high-pollution episodes. Published by HETAS on July 6th, 2018 by Alun
“Key to the Defra strategy is also educating homeowners to burn only wood with a moisture content below 20% and having their chimney swept on a regular basis by a registered chimney sweep. Following this advice will maximise the environmental benefits of a SIA Ecodesign Ready stove.” SIA
You can read the entire Clean Air Strategy here. You will find wood burning stoves and the fuel used on them covered in Section 6 – Reducing Emissions At Home, specifically pages 58-63
To Summarise:
fire BY DESIGN see the Clean Air Act as a very positive policy for our business and the environment, fully supporting the measures.
We are already working towards only stocking stoves that meet these requirements by the end of 2020 – two years early.
Our supply, survey and installation service covers the following areas: Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, Poole, Romsey, Salisbury, Southampton, Wimborne and Winchester and other areas in Dorset in Hampshire. Site surveys outside a 30 mile radius of Wimborne will incure a charge a £25 which is deductable should you accept our quotation. We are also pleased to invite enquiries from further afield.