Defra

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.

Burn Better

Burn Better: Cleaner fuels and regular chimney maintenance key to reducing pollution from open fires and stoves used for domestic burning  Public reminded of best ways to minimise the environmental impact of burning at home this winter ahead of new government policy on cleaner fuels in the spring A new survey has found four in…

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…

Defra contract appointment

Defra contract appointment We are pleased to announce that Defra has appointed HETAS as the Contractor to provide technical support to enable it to meet its legal obligations under the Clean Air Act 1993, with effect from 1st December 2018. The Assessment of Appliances and Fuels contract will run until 31 March 2020, covering the…

The importance of chimney sweeping

The importance of chimney sweeping In recent newsletters we discussed Defra’s Clean Air Strategy and what it means for our industry. This month we look at the importance of chimney sweeping and appliance maintenance in the strategy. The Defra Clean Air Strategy which was launched back in May and runs through until the 14th August.…

Ban on wood stoves? The truth of it all

No doubt you will have all seen some misleading headlines in recent months about a possible ban on wood stoves. Here, we identify the truth behind the headlines and what you can tell customers who might have seen the headlines.

Defra’s Clean Air Strategy

Defra’s Clean Air Strategy On the 22nd May the Environment Secretary Michael Gove published a Clean Air Strategy which aims to cut air pollution and save lives, backed up through new primary legislation. Here we demystify the strategy and look beyond the misleading headlines. The new strategy, which is now out for consultation, is a…