If you have a wood-burning device, this article will be of use to you. A government scheme has been implemented to provide guidelines to abide by when burning fires in an ongoing effort to improve our air quality nationally.
It’s an initiative that you should read over to make sure you comply with it.
So, what does it mean for you? This article will examine the details of the scheme and outline what you need to know.
What is the new government scheme?
The regulation is called Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 and is now in effect in England. It states that any manufactured solid fuel (MSF) sold must be certified.
According to GOV.UK, this constitutes any “solid fuel made from coal, wood, plant-derived materials, waxes or petroleum products, mixed with other ingredients”.
Logs made from wine, coffee, olive, wheat husks, straw, miscanthus, bamboo, or compressed food waste are exempt from this rule.
Additionally, MSF producers must gain certification for fuels burned in Smoke Control Areas.
Why has it been put into place?
The government wants to ensure that any fuel source manufactured and sold within England doesn’t contribute to poor air quality levels, within reason.
There has to be some form of control on this, of course, and the legislation is hoped to encourage producers to be more aware of their output and what they are selling to the general public so that they will find increasingly environmentally friendly ways to make sources of fuels.
If restrictions like this weren’t put into place, the damage to our air quality could be left undetected and harm not just the environment we live in, but the people living within it.
Harmful chemicals being pumped into the atmosphere should be at the forefront of anybody starting fires. Seeking options, like Homefire’s smokeless coal range, are a wise choice for anybody.
How to gain certification
HETAS is the body that awards and regulates the certification of the new scheme, but your local council are likely the enforcer. To apply, contact HETAS directly and they’ll be able to assist you in getting your MSF production within regulation.
If you fail to gain the relevant certification but continue to sell restricted goods, you could be issued with a fine or further punishment for a repeat offence.
How do I know what I’m buying is certified?
If the product in question has a ‘Ready to Burn’ label attached to its packaging, you can rest assured that it’s certified and complies with the legislation.
To limit any air pollution you’re worried about emitting, shop online for Homefire’s selection of kiln-dried firewood that, thanks to its low moisture content, is better for the environment than many other alternatives around.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a supplier or purchaser, stay on top of national legislation when it comes to air pollution so we can all do our bit to fight poor air quality.