The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020
5 October 2020
The draft legislation for The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 has successfully passed through both The House of Parliament and The House of Lords in recent weeks. This important milestone brings the legislation one step closer to becoming law. Woodsure, the UK’s only woodfuel quality assurance scheme, has welcomed this latest development and hope to hear further news very soon.
It is intended that the legislation will become effective from 1st May 2021 for the majority of firewood suppliers, with smaller foresters given a longer period to transition.
A few more steps
The draft legislation will now require the signature of the Secretary of State, enabling Defra to move forward with its plans for the legislation becoming law.
Speaking about the latest important development, Bruce Allen, Chief Executive of Woodsure, said:
We’re really pleased that this legislation will shortly become law. Phasing out the supply of wet wood from 1 May 2021 is a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of domestic burning associated with the use of wood-burning stoves. Wet wood is known to emit high levels of particulates damaging to health and the environment, and legislation will drive the wider use of dry woodfuel with no more than 20% moisture content and clearly labelled as ‘Woodsure Ready to Burn’, serving to reduce pollution and maximise heat efficiency.
Having created the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme, we proudly have over 150 suppliers signed up, ideally placing Woodsure as the leading industry body driving up woodfuel standards and promoting dry firewood and briquettes to homeowners. Despite a period of lockdown earlier in the year, we have seen a growing number of website sessions, including searches for reputable suppliers of quality woodfuels.
Committed to raising standards
Woodsure remains committed and driven, along with industry partners such as HETAS, stove manufacturers, and chimney sweep association and organisations to improve air quality. The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 is just one of the many measures that industry is supporting to improve air quality from domestic heating.
Of the latest development, Helen Bentley-Fox, Director of Woodsure, said:
Since starting Woodsure 10 years ago, my colleagues and I have been campaigning for the right fuel for the right appliance to reduce pollution and to maximise heat efficiency so it’s exciting that this approach is to be finally recognised in law and that from next year burning dry wood will be enforceable.
Our team remains committed to helping all suppliers of firewood, whether large or small producers, supplier, kiln drier or seasoner, to feel supported over the next few months as we prepare for these changes.
Keep updated
Ahead of the 1st May deadline, Woodsure will keep you updated with developments of the draft legislation and the impact on woodfuel businesses. The team is available on 01684 278188 or [email protected] if you did have any questions on the forthcoming changes.
