Air Quality

Recent UK air quality findings

To support you and remain transparent, we have created this article to summarise recent air quality findings, provide context where necessary, and look towards the future.

Defra’s emissions of air pollutants publication 2024

Defra has published its latest data on emissions of air pollutants in the UK, with the publication containing statistics on annual emissions for the period 1970 to 2022. The annual publication provides estimates of UK emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and sulphur dioxide. These statistics are used to monitor progress against the UK’s emission reduction commitments (ERC) for air pollutants. 

The role of HETAS in ‘Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2022/23’

The Office for Environmental Protection recently published their progress report of government’s stated ambitions and goals for the environment, relating to the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023.

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill

New legislation was passed in the Senedd on Tuesday 28th November 2023, giving the Welsh Government greater powers to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution across Wales.

Defra’s air quality strategy

Defra has published its air quality strategy, the framework for local authorities and partners, setting out their powers, responsibilities, and further actions.

Environment Improvement Plan – new particulate emissions limits 

The recent publication of the governments Environment Improvement Plan generated a great deal of interest amongst industry and in the press, with proposals to change particulate emissions limits on appliances for use in smoke control areas. In this article, the HETAS Technical team clarifies the detail of the plan and provide further guidance and information.

Wales Clean Air Plans

The HETAS team provide an overview of Wales Clean Air Plans and the latest updates from the Welsh government.

HETAS responds to Defra’s emissions of air pollutants statistics

The new ‘Emissions for air pollutants in the UK’ publication released today from Defra has highlighted an increase in burning wood for fuel by 124 per cent between 2011 and 2021, and a decrease in use of coal for domestic heating. The report also highlights emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) originate from a wide range of sources covering domestic activity, industrial activity, power generation, transport and agriculture.

Ready to Burn | A look at the regulations in more detail

The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 is now in place. We look at the regulations in more detail to help answer some of the more common questions. The HETAS team is available to support with applications and questions relating to manufactured solid fuels and you can contact Woodsure for any wood…

Understanding burning in domestic homes

Understanding the impact of domestic combustion on air quality has always been a challenge. Defra’s Clean Air Strategy identifies that domestic combustion accounts for 38% of fine particulate matter. The figure of 38% was based on a BEIS survey from 2015, the results of which can be viewed here. This survey forms the basis of figures generated in the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI). The NAEI primarily uses The Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES)