Several key points regarding air pollution data and stove sales in the UK

1. Reduction in Emissions: The latest data from Defra shows an 18% reduction in PM2.5 emissions nationally between 2012 and 2022. Specifically, emissions from “domestic combustion” decreased between 2021 and 2022, with reductions in both PM10 and PM2.5.
2. Increase in Stove Sales: Despite the reduction in emissions, stove sales reached a record high in 2022, with a 40% increase compared to 2021. This increase is attributed to factors such as rising energy prices and consumer concerns about grid reliability.
3. Impact of Modern Stoves: The SIA emphasizes that the reduction in emissions demonstrates the positive impact of modern, Ecodesign-compliant stoves. These stoves are designed to be highly efficient and emit lower levels of pollutants compared to older models and open fires.
4. Complexity of “Domestic Combustion”: The term “domestic combustion” encompasses various burning activities at home, including not only solid fuel combustion but also natural gas usage for cooking and hot water, oil for heating, and solid fuels like charcoal for outdoor activities. The SIA stresses the need for a thorough review of the data before making conclusions about the sources of emissions.
5. Challenges in Reporting: The SIA criticizes what they perceive as biased reporting and the demonization of solid fuel stove use, urging a more nuanced understanding of the data. They highlight the need for accurate reporting and analysis, particularly regarding the contribution of different sources to overall emissions.
6. Awaiting Detailed Data: The SIA looks forward to the publication of detailed data by the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI), which will provide more precise information on emission sources and activities. Previous data from the NAEI indicated that emissions from Ecodesign stoves burning dry wood fuel accounted for a very small percentage of the UK total.

Overall, the SIA’s statement underscores the importance of modern stove technology in reducing emissions and calls for a balanced approach to interpreting air pollution data.