Domestic indoor wood burning emissions significantly lower than previously thought
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The UK government has released its 2020 figures for particulate matter emissions. This latest data shows that the overall percentage of PM2.5 attributable to the domestic indoor burning of wood fuel has been more than halved to 17% thanks to updated and more accurate wood fuel usage data for the domestic combustion sector.
There are two main types of appliances used to burn wood in the home in the UK; open fires and closed fronted stoves. Open fires account for over 72% of the 19.79 (‘000 tonnes) of PM2.5 being attributed to domestic combustion and almost 18% of total UK PM2.5 emissions.
Commenting on the latest data Andy Hill, chair of the Stove Industry Alliance, said:
“We welcome the revisions to the government’s statistics on PM2.5 from domestic combustion sources that have been announced. The SIA has long maintained that the volume of wood fuel used to calculate the previous figure had been significantly overestimated, and this has now been officially acknowledged.”
“There is huge potential to lower PM2.5 emissions from domestic combustion even further by encouraging homeowners to upgrade their open fires to an Ecodesign stove, such as a clearSkies certified appliance. These stoves produce up to 90% less particulate matter emissions than an open fire so the further reduction in emissions levels that could be achieved is significant. A professionally installed, regularly serviced modern Ecodesign stove used with correctly seasoned wood fuel* is a very low carbon, low emission, sustainable and cost-effective way to heat our homes.”
*E.g. Woodsure Ready to Burn certified.
Editor’s Notes:
- The Stove Industry Alliance was formed in 2008 and is a trade association of stove manufacturers, distributors and retailers, wood fuel suppliers, flue and component manufacturers and other interested industry bodies.
- With over 40 manufacturing members and 65+ retail members, the SIA represents the stove industry in discussion with government departments such as Defra and BEIS, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, and the Greater London Authority.
- The SIA represents the UK in CEFACD, the European Committee of Manufacturers of Domestic Heating and Cooking Appliances and engages openly with all stakeholders.
- Please contact Erica Malkin SIA Communications Manager on 07891 097842 or for further comment on this press release.
- Further information on the work of the SIA can be found at stoveindustryalliance.com