BSRIA response to clean air strategy
[edit] Draft Clean Air Strategy
On 22 May 2018, Environment Secretary Michael Gove published a draft Clean Air Strategy for consultation. The strategy is backed up by new primary legislation, and is in addition to the government’s £3.5 billion plan to reduce air pollution from road transport set out in July 2017.
The strategy includes proposals to ensure only the cleanest domestic fuels will be available for sale, suggesting there should be a clamp down on all sources of pollution, including coal-burning and wood-burning stoves. However, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said it would be "disproportionate" to have a uniform ban on certain fuels, as air pollution effects in rural areas are significantly less compared to urban areas because they are dispersed.
BSRIA responded to the proposals, suggesting that more education is needed.
Allan Wilson, a test engineer at BSRIA, said:
“With the introduction of the EcoDesign Directive for solid fuel appliances scheduled for 2022, the legislation makes provision for the significant reduction in all measured emissions including particulates. There doesn’t, however, appear to be a policy to address emissions from existing appliances or open fires including BBQs.
“While there is tighter legislation being introduced in terms of appliance manufacturers having to demonstrate compliance, there is no control as to how they are operated once sold to the consumer. Education as to how the end user operates their new and existing appliances would contribute greatly in the reduction of ‘real’ emissions. Part of the education piece should be the promotion of appropriate fuels that are ‘fit to burn’. For both new and existing appliances."
[edit] Final Clean Air Strategy
On January 14 2019, the government published the final Clean Air Strategy based on the responses received during the consultation period for the Draft Strategy – which ran from May to August 2018. The new document places further restrictions on wood-burning stoves and open fires as part of a plan to combat air pollution in England.
BSRIA's response to the new strategy conceded that it had made a good start and was going in the right direction. However, Allan Wilson said:
"BSRIA calls on government to reach deeper into the causes of pollution and continue to press forward in making real reductions to encourage sustainable clean combustion. The bigger problem produced by open fires and the old stock of solid fuel stoves over the previous century that burn wood and coal – is yet to be addressed. From a solid fuel appliance angle, the strategy is balanced and the proposed measures are in line with the introduction of the Ecodesign Directive.”
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air quality.
- Air Quality Taskforce.
- BREEAM Indoor air quality plan.
- BREEAM Indoor air quality Ventilation.
- BREEAM Indoor pollutants VOCs.
- BREEAM NOx emissions.
- BSRIA.
- BSRIA responds to UK Air Pollution Report.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Clean air strategy.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.