Reports that the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is seeking additional powers that could enable area-specific bans on domestic solid fuel burning risk overlooking advances in technology and the progress already being made to reduce emissions, says the Stove Industry Association (SIA).

In the article in today’s (Sept 11th) Telegraph, the Mayor of London is reported as seeking additional powers to introduce area-specific bans on wood-burning stoves, as part of wider measures to tackle air pollution in the capital.

Whilst the SIA supports action to improve air quality and recognises that domestic combustion is a source of particulate emissions, we are concerned that blanket restrictions risk being a disproportionate response. It is important that any future policy distinguishes between older appliances and open fires, and the modern, Ecodesign-compliant stoves on the UK market today.

Erica Malkin, Executive Director at the SIA, said: “The SIA and our members fully recognise the importance of improving air quality and reducing emissions. This is not something we are seeking to avoid. Manufacturers have been actively investing in technology to improve efficiency and reduce emissions for many years, and we believe the industry has an important role to play in delivering further emissions reductions.

“However, the debate needs to recognise the significant difference between an open fire, an older stove and a modern Ecodesign-compliant appliance. Treating all wood-burning appliances as the same risks overlooking the advances in technology and the progress that has already been made.

“SIA manufacturing members were producing Ecodesign-compliant models as early as 2017, five years before the standard became mandatory in the UK. The industry continues to promote the use of properly seasoned or certified dry wood and responsible stove operation and maintenance,” she added.

The latest Government emissions data shows that emissions of both PM2.5 and PM10 from domestic combustion fell by more than 7% between 2023 and 2024. This continues the downward trend seen in recent years. Importantly, domestic combustion as quantified in the Government’s emissions data, includes households burning a range of fuels, including wood, coal and manufactured solid fuels, using a variety of different appliance types and ages, as well as outdoor burning such as BBQs, bonfires and firepits.

In addition, the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory has identified the uptake of Ecodesign-compliant stoves as a factor contributing to a decrease in domestic combustion emissions. Ecodesign-compliant stoves began entering the UK market voluntarily from 2017, before becoming mandatory in 2022.

Erica continued:

“There is clearly more to do. Domestic combustion remains a significant contributor to particulate emissions and the industry accepts its responsibility to continue improving.

“But this is precisely why we need proportionate, evidence-based policy rather than measures that treat every appliance and every user in the same way.

“The focus should be on achieving measurable reductions in emissions. That means encouraging the use of the best-performing appliances and appropriate fuels, improving consumer education and ensuring that stoves are correctly installed, operated and maintained.

“Modern Ecodesign appliances, when used correctly with the right fuel, should not simply be viewed through the same lens as older and more polluting technologies.”

The SIA also believes that policy should recognise the wider role of sustainably sourced wood fuel. Material arising from active woodland management can provide a valuable source of renewable fuel, supporting rural economies and employment across the wood fuel supply chain.

Erica added: “The choice does not have to be between improving air quality and retaining the wider benefits of domestic wood burning. With the right technology, appropriate fuel and responsible operation, we can continue to reduce emissions while supporting sustainable woodland management and rural economies.

“There is also an important energy resilience consideration. A modern stove can provide households with a reliable source of secondary heating that does not depend on the electricity grid, including during power interruptions.

“The SIA is committed to working with Government, regulators and other stakeholders to find practical solutions that improve air quality while recognising the advances made by the industry and avoiding unnecessary restrictions on responsible consumers. We will be seeking further engagement with Defra and would also welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues directly with the Greater London Authority.”