ClearSkies
received:
"We welcome this launch of the clearSkies scheme, initiated by the Stove Industry Alliance. It is right that consumers are able to make informed choices about how to reduce emissions. We also support industry as it works to bring cleaner and more efficient technologies into our homes.”
Spokesperson for Department for Environment,
Food & Rural Affairs
"Scotland’s journey to better air quality is one that we must all take together and take responsibility for. I welcome schemes, such as the new clearSkies label, which support consumers in making informed choices about lower emission options."
Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform.
"The Federation of British Chimney Sweeps welcomes the launch of clearSkies, which should help consumers easily identify those appliances
with the lowest emissions and best efficiency. These appliances will be beneficial for the environment and also cost less to run, your local Association and FBCS chimney sweep can advise.”
Phil Cleaver, Director, Federation of British Chimney Sweeps
Stringent testing & control
In order to attain the clearSkies mark a manufacturer needs to demonstrate that its product meets or exceeds the requirements for four different maximum emission limit tests and an efficiency test.
In addition, manufacturers also need to confirm that they have a process in place for ensuring manufacturing control over their certified appliances to ensure consistency of production. This is a requirement of the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125 and gives further assurance that a clearSkies certified fireplace or stove is manufactured to the highest standards.
Manufacturers have also self-certified full Ecodesign & CE mark compliance to the clearSkies administrator, Kiwa.
Environmentally friendly
clearSkies certified stoves and fireplaces have low emissions and high efficiency, making them a low carbon and environmentally friendly home heating solution.
clearSkies certified stoves and fireplaces are cost effective to run because they use significantly less fuel than older stove models and open fires to produce the same amount of heat.
By encouraging the installation of clearSkies certified appliances, either through new installations and especially as a replacement for an open fire or older stove, the industry can play a key role in helping to lower emissions and dramatically improve air quality.
Promoting the right fuel
clearSkies certified woodburning stoves and fireplaces are precision engineered to use the right fuel.
The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020, which have been laid down in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and will see traditional house coal and wet wood for domestic combustion phased out, will come into force on 1st May 2021.
As well as putting the spotlight on appliance improvement, it is a key objective of clearSkies to make clear to consumers the importance of using wood fuel with a moisture content below 20% to ensure optimum stove operation, such as wood certified under the Woodsure Ready to Burn scheme.