Air Quality

Government’s key activities for clean air 2023-24 

Following the UK government's annual environmental progress report, we have investigated the key activities that have been undertaken to improve air quality across the UK.

Homeowner receives fine after their wood burner produces excessive smoke 

A homeowner in West Yorkshire recently received a fixed penalty notice after their wood-burning stove was found to have emitted excessive smoke in a smoke control area.

HETAS’s wishes from the new Labour government

Following the 2024 election results with Keir Starmer emerging as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, we will be examining the Labour Party’s manifesto and assessing how it addresses net zero, energy security, and environmental concerns relating to our industry.

Who are the UK’s new Cabinet Ministers?

With the recent general election and the new Labour government, new Cabinet Ministers have now been appointed. This article examines the key ministers that relate to our industry, their voting patterns, and past work.

Carbon Monoxide Research Trust CO Research Conference 2024

The HETAS team recently attended the Carbon Monoxide Research Trust’s (CORT) CO Research Conference and feed back some of the event's talking points.

Recent UK air quality findings

To support you and remain transparent, we have created this article to summarise recent air quality findings, provide context where necessary, and look towards the future.

Defra’s emissions of air pollutants publication 2024

Defra has published its latest data on emissions of air pollutants in the UK, with the publication containing statistics on annual emissions for the period 1970 to 2022. The annual publication provides estimates of UK emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen oxides, ammonia, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and sulphur dioxide. These statistics are used to monitor progress against the UK’s emission reduction commitments (ERC) for air pollutants. 

The role of HETAS in ‘Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2022/23’

The Office for Environmental Protection recently published their progress report of government’s stated ambitions and goals for the environment, relating to the 25 Year Environment Plan and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023.

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill

New legislation was passed in the Senedd on Tuesday 28th November 2023, giving the Welsh Government greater powers to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution across Wales.

Defra’s air quality strategy

Defra has published its air quality strategy, the framework for local authorities and partners, setting out their powers, responsibilities, and further actions.