Many countries strictly regulate the type of wood-burning and multi-fuel burning stoves that are permitted within their national boundaries because poor quality, cheap appliances contribute to poor air quality and ultimately global warming.
South Africa currently has no legislation governing the quality of emissions from wood stoves (as of Oct 2021).
So how can you choose an environmentally responsible wood or multi-fuel stove here in South Africa? This article helps to explain the options available.
Eco-Design is a European-wide initiative designed to lower emissions from wood and multi-fuel stoves. Ask your SA supplier if the stove is Eco-Design 2022 ready. The stove should display a serial number or badge that clearly states the efficiency of the stove. Be cautious of stoves that claim to be Eco-Design ready but cannot “prove” it.
Clear Skies is a UK initiative that builds on the Eco-Design 2022 standards. This grading system works on independent test results and a stove is awarded a Clear Skies Level mark based on the results of the tests. The Level will be between 1 and 5.
A stove with a Clear Skies Level of 2 meets the Eco-Design standards.
Charnwood stoves manufacture their Eco-Design ready stoves with a “blu” designation. Starting from 2022, all Charnwood stoves leaving the factory to come to South Africa will meet this standard. Presently, approximately 90% of the product range sold here meet or exceed Eco-Design standards. Of the 24 models produced by the Charnwood UK factory, 21 are Clear Skies level 5.
A rating level of 5 means that these stoves exceed Eco-Design standards by more than 30%!
In conclusion. If you want to purchase an environmentally responsible solid fuel heater for your home here in South Africa:
- Look for Eco-Design as a minimum standard.
- Look for a “badge” on the product stating the efficiency.
- Look for a Clear Skies rating. A Clear Skies rating of 5 is a 30% improvement on Eco-Design.
- Ask us which Charnwood stoves meet Clear Skies standards.