Defra has published its latest data on emissions of air pollutants in the UK, with the publication containing statistics on annual emissions for the period 1970 to 2022. The annual publication provides estimates of UK emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and sulphur dioxide. These statistics are used to monitor progress against the UK’s emission reduction commitments (ERC) for air pollutants. 

The annual statistics identify: 

• Annual emissions of PM2.5 have decreased by 88% since 1970. An estimated 65 thousand tonnes of PM2.5 was emitted in 2022 – a 2% decrease from 2021. 
• Annual emissions of PM10 have decreased by 88% since 1970. An estimated 127 thousand tonnes of PM10 was emitted in 2022 – a 1% increase from 2021. 

The UK was compliant with international and domestic ERC for all pollutants. PM2.5 emissions were estimated to have decreased by 41% between 2005 and 2022, achieving compliance with ERC by an additional 11%. 

Domestic combustion contributed an estimated 29% of total PM2.5 emissions in 2022 – an increase of 2% from 2021, with most emissions coming from households using wood burning stoves or open fireplaces. This follows an increase in 56% of emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 from domestic wood burning between 2012 and 2022 as a result of the growing popularity of domestic solid fuel appliances and the ban on domestic coal burning. 

Bruce Allen, CEO of Cleaner Safer Group commented

Facilitating progress

The UK’s emission reduction commitments are explored through the targets and goals in government’s Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP23) and the 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP). To achieve these objectives, substantial and continuous action is required. The office for Environmental Protection (OEP) recently published their annual progress report, stating that the current pace and scale of action from government is not enough and more must be done to drive necessary progress. Cleaner Safer Group support the OEP’s sentiment that government must progress a well-planned delivery of the EIP23 to accomplish its targets on air quality and other environmental improvements. 

The EIP23 clearly stated that government is not considering a ban on domestic burning, but more must be done to reduce the resultant emissions. Government has existing proposed policies and measures, and these must be successfully actioned to ensure that ERC are not missed in the future. Technological advancements alone are not enough to effectively reduce domestic combustion emissions – consumer education through coherent and compelling communication is critical to encourage responsible burning and, in turn, minimise domestic combustion emissions. 

The role of HETAS and Woodsure was examined through the lens of the OEP’s annual progress report, demonstrating commitment to minimise domestic combustion emissions. The HETAS and Woodsure Advice Hubs, Ready to Burn certification scheme, and the Cleaner Choice scheme contribute significantly to facilitating meaningful progress in reducing emissions. Tackling emissions through legislation, technological improvements, and consumer competence is key for continuous progress which can achieve government’s targets. 

As a company with a purpose of ‘working together for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment’, we will continue our work with government departments such as Defra, DESNZ, and MHCLG to develop the work already undertaken by our industry to minimise emissions produced from domestic combustion. 

Conscientious burning practices are at the core of responsible burning; advice that is achievable by consumers will continue to reduce domestic combustion emissions.