The government has pledged to reduce particulates across “much of the country” by 2030, taking aim at wood burning stoves and fires in addition to targeting other culprits such as traffic fumes and agricultural pollution.

BSRIA test engineer Allan Wilson stated: “BSRIA and its members are working hard and fast to reduce emissions in wood burning stoves. Indeed, in recent years, BSRIA has provided consultancy and testing services to help new member and industry products meet the future requirements. Much improved appliances are already being produced that meet the high standards coming in 2022.  

“The strategy makes a good start and heads in the right direction. BSRIA calls on government to reach deeper into the causes of pollution and continues to press forward in making real reductions to encourage sustainable clean combustion.

“The bigger problem produced by open fires and the old stock of solid fuel stoves over the previous century that burn wood and coal, is yet to be addressed.  

“From a solid appliance angle, the strategy is balanced and the proposed measures are correct with the introduction of Ecodesign Directive.”  

In April 2016, BSRIA alerted manufacturers of imminent changes to government legislation in testing room heaters fired by solid fuels for CE marking and DEFRA smoke tests, namely stoves.

BSEN 13240 is now being replaced by BSEN 16510 to enable additional measurements and tighter limits of emissions under the Ecodesign Directive 2009 / 1185 / 6.