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New Burner Rules Spark Industry Uproar
6 Oct
Summary
- Log burner rules may tighten, banning older models.
- Industry urges support for upgrades, not just new rules.
- UK aims for 30% PM2.5 cut by 2030 from domestic burning.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing calls for greater support as proposals emerge for stricter regulations on solid fuel heating, including potential bans on older log and wood burners. These measures are part of Labour's Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which aims to cut pollution.
Manufacturers are urging the government to provide targeted financial support for homeowners to replace outdated appliances, arguing that new regulations on manufacturing will take over a decade to impact households. They emphasize the need for education on cleaner burning practices and regular chimney maintenance.
The government plans to consult on measures to minimize the environmental impact of domestic wood burning, acknowledging the need to balance pollution reduction with traditional practices like Bonfire Night and Diwali.
A key objective is to reduce PM2.5 emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Domestic combustion contributed 20% of PM2.5 emissions in 2023, with the WHO linking these fine particles to severe health conditions. The EIP aims to align UK standards with the EU's.
These updated targets have been welcomed by campaigners like Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter died from asthma linked to air pollution. She advocates for 'Ella's Law' to ensure clean air throughout England by 2030, in line with WHO guidelines.
