To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research the Government has commissioned in the last five years to estimate the percentage domestic wood burning contributes to primary emissions of fine particulate matter.
Answered on
10 December 2021
Current estimates of the contribution of domestic burning to PM 2.5 emissions are documented in the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, including the contribution of domestic wood burning.
Within the last five years, the Government has commissioned several research studies to investigate the contribution of wood burning to PM 2. 5 concentrations. We have also commissioned studies to analyse data from our air quality monitoring networks (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=953).
In 2018, we commissioned a large-scale survey to monitor trends in domestic burning and to better understand the types and quantities of fuels being used (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=1014). This data has helped inform our estimates of solid fuel use in the UK.
Most recently we have commissioned a £1.6 million research project to investigate the emissions associated with different solids fuels. This will lead to improved estimates of the contribution that domestic burning makes to PM 2.5 emissions. We also published last week an invitation to tender to assess the impact of the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations 2020 and investigate trends in domestic burning practices
All this work provides vital evidence needed to inform policies on domestic burning and to meet the commitments set out in the Clean Air Strategy.