Stoves and the environment in Wales
In January, the Welsh Government published a White Paper setting out its bold plans for a Clean Air (Wales) Bill, in order to protect the health of the nation and defend our ecosystems from pollutants in the atmosphere.
It is currently estimated poor air quality from sources such road and air traffic, contribute to a reduced life expectancy, estimated at between 1,000 and 1,400 deaths in Wales annually. The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes air pollution as the single biggest environmental health risk, worldwide.
Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said:
“Breathing clean air and having access to a healthy environment is a right, not a privilege. We must take decisive and lasting action now to enable our future generations to lead healthy lives.”
As part of the Clean Air Act, the Welsh Government will be looking at the impact of domestic fuels on air quality.
However, a Welsh Government spokesperson, said,
“This is not an attempt to ban the use of wood as a fuel, or to ban the use of wood burning stoves.”
Most woodburning comply with the requirements of the Clean Air Act proposed for England, and will therefore comply with legislation in Wales when it comes into force.
When buying a new stove, look for the Ecodesign Ready or ClearSkies mark – in order to obtain this certification a manufacturer needs to demonstrate that its product meets or exceeds the requirements for four different maximum emission limit tests and an efficiency test.
The emission tests cover carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), organic gaseous compounds (OGC) and particulate matter (PM).
About Topstak’s woodburning stoves
Topstak’s showrooms in the Vale of Glamorgan and Monmouth both stock a range of beautiful stove models that comply fully with clean air requirements.
These stoves are also hugely more energy efficient, and provide more heat with less wood, than their earlier counterparts – as well as having the enormous benefit of being more environmentally friendly due to releasing fewer emissions.
Topstak’s wood fuel is Woodsure assured, meaning that the wood comes from a reliable source, and burns with optimum efficiency. As it has been dried properly, it releases fewer emissions, provides a clean, bright flame and good heat, without smoking the stove glass.
Topstak is the leading wood burning stove expert in Cardiff, and South Wales, when it comes to wood burning stoves. All our staff members are Hetas trained, and so offer sound, professional advice when you come into the showroom to choose your stove.
Please contact us at our showrooms in the Vale of Glamorgan and Monmouth to make enquiries about the best wood burning stove for you. We will be delighted to welcome you back, once Covid-19 restrictions allow.
Meanwhile, our online range of products continues to be in demand.
We have a click and collect zone located outside the front of the showroom, simply order over the phone or select click and collect on ‘checkout’ on our website.
*Our remote stove surveys have proved to be very successful too, and are still available free-of-charge.
Topstak Vale of Glamorgan – 01446 771567
Topstak Monmouth 0 01600 711710