Combustion
The combustion process is: ‘The chemical process of burning via a substance (fuel) reacting rapidly with oxygen and giving off heat.’ Ref ‘Climate Emergency Design Guide: How new buildings can meet UK climate change’, published by The London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) in January 2020.
A combustion appliance is ‘…an apparatus where fuel is burned to generate heat for space heating, water heating, cooking or other similar purpose. The appliance does not include systems to deliver fuel to it or for the distribution of heat. Typical combustion appliances are boilers, warm air heaters, water heaters, fires, stoves and cookers.’ Ref Approved document J, Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.
The term ‘combustion plant’ refers to any piece of equipment that involves the combustion of a fuel to generate energy. Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, published by the Department for Transport in November 2013.
The term ‘combustibility’ refers to the tendency of a substance to burn as a result of fire or chemical reaction. It is can be expressed as a property that is a measure of how easily a substance will ignite or burn, an important consideration when materials are being used or stored for construction purposes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.