Tighter restrictions are likely to be applied in England towards wood-burning stoves due to an updated environmental policy and new pollution targets, The Guardian reported. Speaking to the newspaper, ahead of the publication of the updated environmental improvement plan (EIP), Emma Reynolds, the environment secretary, said that it would improve nature recovery in various areas, describing the EIP under the previous government as being “not credible.”
Efforts to restore nature would be on a “strategic level,” adding that a push for more housing and infrastructure could coincide with improvements to the environment. One goal of the new EIP will be tighter targets for PM2.5 particulate pollutants, matching the current EU standards. This was not part of the plan under the previous government.
A consultation may be held on possible held on possible policies to tackle PM2.5, which include those generated by wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. It could mean pollution limits being stiffened in smoke control areas, where there are already limits in place about what wood can be burned and only in approved stoves or burners but not in fireplaces.
An effective ban on older appliances is possible, and it could mean that some areas will not allow the use of wood-burning stoves at all.
25ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre) is the current annual PM2.5 limit. The aim is to bring that down to 10ug/m3 by 2040. EU standards are even stricter, calling for the 10ug/m3 by 2030. The World Health Organization meanwhile suggests an annual of just 5ug/m3. The EIP will bring UK standards down to the EU level, and has a goal to eventually meet WHO’s standards.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
