What Is The Ready To Burn Scheme, And Why Is It Important?

The "Ready to Burn" scheme is a certification program in the UK designed to ensure that firewood and solid fuels sold to consumers are dry enough to burn efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, particularly from residential wood burning.

Critical Aspects of the Ready to Burn Scheme:

  1. Moisture Content: The primary criteria for certification is that the wood must have a moisture content of 20% or less. Dry wood burns more efficiently and cleanly, producing more heat and less smoke and particulates.
  2. Certification and Labeling: Suppliers who meet the standards can label their products with the "Ready to Burn" logo. This label assures consumers that the wood they purchase meets the necessary moisture content standards.
  3. Compliance and Enforcement: Suppliers must be certified by an approved certification body, which involves regular testing and audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the scheme's standards.

Why Compliance is Necessary:

  1. Legal Requirements: As of May 2021, new regulations in the UK mandate that all wood sold in volumes of up to 2 cubic meters must be certified as "Ready to Burn." You must comply with these regulations to legally sell firewood as a supplier or retailer.
  2. Environmental Impact: Burning wet or unseasoned wood releases more pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can contribute to poor air quality and have significant health impacts. Complying with the scheme, you help reduce these adverse environmental and health effects.
  3. Consumer Assurance: The "Ready to Burn" label provides assurance that the wood they buy is high quality and will burn efficiently. This means better performance in their stoves or fireplaces and contributes to lower emissions and a cleaner environment.
  4. Market Competitiveness: Being certified under the "Ready to Burn" scheme can enhance your market reputation and competitiveness. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices and may prefer to buy from certified suppliers.

The "Ready to Burn" scheme is a regulatory and environmental initiative to promote cleaner burning practices and improve air quality. Suppliers must comply legally, which helps reduce environmental and health impacts and provides consumers with a reliable standard for purchasing firewood.