Image: Modern Ecodesign-compliant stoves can play a role in reducing emissions when replacing older appliances and open fires.

Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the SIA, said: “Improving air quality’s very important, but it requires practical, evidence-led action. We believe that helping households move away from older appliances and open fires towards modern, more efficient alternatives should be recognised as part of the solution.

“Local authorities are well placed to understand the particular challenges facing their communities. With appropriate Government support, they could help identify priority areas and households where targeted intervention could make a meaningful difference to air quality.

There is growing research highlighting the potential benefits of replacement schemes as a solution to reducing emissions from domestic burning.

Research published by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, which followed 25 households over three heating seasons between 2020 and 2023, examined a range of measures including appliance replacement, chimney improvements, filters and advice on stove operation.

Direct chimney-emission measurements taken at nine households before and after the interventions found that the combined measures reduced average particle emissions by 40%. In two households where older stoves were replaced, particle emissions fell by 29% in one home and 72% in the other.

Although the replacement findings relate to just two households, they demonstrate the potential for significant reductions in particulate emissions when older appliances are upgraded, alongside appropriate installation and advice on responsible operation.

A separate Scottish Government-commissioned evaluation has examined the potential health benefits of interventions to address emissions from domestic solid-fuel burning. Its modelling considered the impact of upgrading older stoves and open fireplaces, alongside measures to improve fuel use and appliance maintenance.

The research estimated that upgrading older appliances in six local authority areas most affected by domestic solid-fuel emissions could prevent around five deaths a year across Scotland. It also found that 68% of the estimated health impacts were concentrated in just nine of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, highlighting the potential value of targeted local action.

Erica continued: “These studies underline why we believe appliance replacement deserves greater consideration within the Government’s approach to air quality.

“Air quality and fuel poverty are both important challenges for local communities. A targeted approach, which recognises the differences between older appliances, open fires and modern stove technology, could help address both.

“We’re asking the Government to recognise that supporting households to upgrade older appliances is a legitimate and workable policy intervention, and to work with local authorities and the industry to explore how this could be put into practice.

“Clean Air Night provides an opportunity to move the conversation beyond the problems, and focus on practical measures that can actually make a difference. We believe targeted appliance upgrades, supported by clear advice on appropriate fuel and responsible stove use, should be part of that conversation.”