Defra

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.

Wales Clean Air Plans

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

Ban on wood stoves? | Government confirms no ban

No doubt you will have seen some headlines about a possible ban on wood stoves. Here, we identify the truth behind the headlines and what measures the government is undertaking in relation to domestic burning.

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.

HETAS Is Helping Make Cleaner Choices Each And Every Day

As the non-profit organisation committed to helping people make cleaner and safer choices in the use of biomass and other solid fuels and associated technologies, HETAS is helping everyone make cleaner choices each and every day.

National statistics of emissions of air pollutants

On the 18th February 2022 Defra published its emissions of air pollutants national statistics. The publication provides estimates of UK emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds and sulphur dioxide. The information contains statistics on annual emissions for the period 1970 to 2020.  The full set of emissions…

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)

UK Clean Air Strategies and domestic burning

Work on implementing clean air strategies across the UK remains a high priority for the government and devolved administrations. We have already seen legislation passed in England for domestic solid fuels through The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 and can expect further changes to legislation over the coming years.

Defra’s Cleaner Fuels Announcement Explained

On Friday Defra announced their response on their cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood. The consultation took place between August and October 2018 and focused on England only.

Industry Representation

As a not for profit organisation HETAS’ purpose is to work for consumer safety and the wider public interest in safe, efficient and environmentally responsible use of biomass and other solid fuels. Within this purpose we aim to provide robust evidence to influence national and European standards for appliances, ancillary equipment, fuels and installation, providing…