Fireplace sector groups have criticised news that the Mayor of London is seeking control of domestic burning in the capital.
Fireplace Specialist Magazine has confirmed that reports in the national press are correct.
Last week, The Daily Telegraph revealed that Sir Sadiq Khan was seeking more powers to allow him to restrict the use of stoves.
HETAS and the Stove Industry Association have both moved to quell any fears that stoves are going to be banned.
However, Fireplace Specialist Magazine approached the Mayor’s office who confirmed that he is seeking extra powers from Defra.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “We have made clear to Government that we would support a further consultation on additional powers which could be devolved to the Mayor and London boroughs to limit where burning can take place, and introduce time-limited area-specific bans for high pollution areas, for example during a high pollution alert.
“While this could be with the introduction of zero-emission zones, we do not have any defined proposals as this would depend what powers, if any, were conferred by Defra.
“Strengthening these requirements is particularly important for London.
“As a densely populated city with existing air quality pressures, it is uniquely vulnerable to pollution from wood-burning appliances, as emissions can accumulate in built-up areas and adversely affect a significant number of residents.”
HETAS said Defra had previously ruled out area based bans but it had contacted them for clarification to see if their position had changed.
HETAS said it was concerned that while it agreed with part of the Mayor’s requests, specifically the beefing up of powers to enforce smoke control areas and wet wood use, the restriction of wood burners would be the thin end of the wedge.
A spokesperson said: “London’s own emissions inventory puts domestic wood burning at 16% of London’s PM2.5 emissions in 2022, which is a number we would like to see come down, but this total hides the real details.
Not all burning produces the same emissions. An open fire produces up to 6.4 times the PM2.5 of a modern Ecodesign stove burning dry, certified fuel. Across the UK, open fires and older appliances accounted for an estimated 5.28kt of PM2.5 in 2023, against 1.67kt from Ecodesign appliances. The emissions sit overwhelmingly in the oldest appliances, not the newest.
That is why area-based restrictions on approved appliances would be the wrong tool. They would fall on the household that invested in a modern exempt stove, buys Ready to Burn fuel, and has the chimney swept every year – the household already burning responsibly.
“They would also remove the reason for anybody else to make that change. If a compliant appliance can be restricted anyway, there is little incentive to replace an open fire with one, and the highest-emitting appliances stay exactly where they are. A measure intended to reduce emissions could end up doing little to tackle the appliances producing most of them.
“We would rather see the effort go where the emissions are: helping households move away from open fires and older appliances, helping people burn better, and making sure everyone understands the impact smoke has on their health.”
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.
“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.”