""Open fireplaces are among the most polluting, expensive and inefficient ways to burn wood, and their continued use is incompatible with the government's ambition to reduce annual PM2.5 limits and improve air quality," he says. The industry stresses that criticism should not be aimed at households: "Blanket bans or placing the blame on households trying to keep warm this winter are not the way forward," May adds. Instead, the focus should be on phasing out the most polluting setups - open fires - while helping homeowners transition safely."
"May explains that wood burners, multifuel stoves and pellet stoves that meet Cleaner Choice standards already meet potential EIP targets, proving that the technology is ready for stricter regulation. "Industry has already delivered dramatic improvements in emissions through innovation and best practices, with existing policy supporting this," he says."
The updated Environmental Improvement Plan tightens PM2.5 limits and opens a consultation on domestic burning. Open fireplaces produce high particulate emissions, are inefficient and contribute significantly to household air pollution. The policy direction targets the most polluting domestic setups rather than penalising households broadly. Modern wood burners, multifuel and pellet stoves that meet Cleaner Choice standards already comply with likely future limits, demonstrating available low-emission alternatives. Industry innovation and best practices have reduced domestic PM2.5 emissions, with reported declines between 2020 and 2023, and the focus is on phasing out polluting fires while supporting homeowner transitions.
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