- It’s great news, for the environment and for you, the consumer
- The legislation enacted is The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 (Statutory Instrument 1095)
- There is no responsibility on you, it simply gives you consumer choice
- Fuel suppliers must register with Woodsure
Our regular customers will know just how much importance we attach to use of low moisture content wood coupled with effective burning practice because we tell you at every visit! So this is good news.
It is important for minimising carbon emissions and gives you more heat value per log, as well as making your stove and liner last longer.
What is Woodsure?
Woodsure www.woodsure.co.uk is the not-for-profit Government appointed scheme administrator. Woodsure will issue Certification, renewable annually to suppliers of fuel that meet quality standards.
The ‘Ready to Burn’ logo seen above is synonymous with Woodsure.
Local authorities have enforcement powers, including powers of entry and inspection, and may issue fixed penalty notices for contravention.
Importantly for you, the consumer, you will be able to look for registered and approved scheme members via the Woodsure website.
Logs
Simply put, log sellers will have to register from May 2021 if they sell wood for domestic burning.
Sellers of logs must register as log suppliers with Woodsure, sellers will apply to the scheme and be audited to prove that the wood they supply is well managed and importantly is sold at a moisture content of 20% or less.
If they supply in quantities less than 2m³, then they must with the sale provide a notice that contains the Woodsure Certification authority and the Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ mark, which you see above.
If they supply 2m³ or more, then in addition they must provide a notice which states as follows
‘This wood is not suitable for burning until it has been dried. You should not burn wood until it has a moisture content of 20% or less.
Wet wood contains moisture which creates smoke and harmful particulates when burnt. As well as being harmful to your health and the environment, this can damage your stove and chimney and is an inefficient way to heat your home. Dry it in a sunny, well-aired space for at least two years, keeping rain off in the winter.
Radial cracks and bark that comes off easily suggests wood that is ready for burning. Test the wood when you think it is ready for burning, ideally with a moisture meter. First calibrate the meter and then measure a freshly split surface to get the best reading.’
Coal
Only approved solid fuels (by the Secretary of State) may be sold. It is an offence to supply an unauthorised solid fuel.
Solid fuels sellers must with the sale provide a notice that contains the Woodsure Certification authority and the Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ mark.
House coal (bituminous) cannot be sold, however an Approved Coal Merchant will not commit the offence of selling loose bituminous coal to a consumer where the coal is sold directly to a consumer during the two-year period ending with 30th April 2023.
Exempt Fuels
The regulation states that “exempt fuel” means any of the following—
(a)coffee logs;
(b)olive logs;
(c)wine logs; or
(d)fuels where the majority of the fuel comprises—
(i)wheat husks;
(ii)straw;
(iii)miscanthus;
(iv)bamboo; or
(v)compressed food waste;