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Executive Summary

The Ministry for the Environment, partnered with Environment Canterbury and Nelson City Council, conducted a performance review of wood burners under the national environmental standards for air quality. This report details the results of Phase 2 of the review in which 10 wood burners were purchased for testing of emissions and efficiency as well as a design verification test. This report follows the report on Phase 1 of the review published in June 2007.

Phase 2 of the review revealed poor compliance:

  • six burners demonstrated compliance with the NES for air quality emission test

  • four burners demonstrated compliance with the NES for air quality efficiency test

  • one burner passed design verification test.

All three tests contribute to the overall review and this translates to an overall ‘pass’ rate of only 20 per cent.

The response to the review by manufacturers varied significantly. Some were swift to fix identified faults and take remedy actions, some immediately disputed findings, and some were slow to respond or undertake follow-up action.

The review was carried out in accordance with a protocol developed in consultation with representative manufacturers from the New Zealand Home Heating Association. The protocol specifies that serious failures be reported to the Commerce Commission. At time of publication, this is underway.

The review further identified some discrepancies with the methodologies employed by the testing laboratory, Applied Research Services. At time of publication, these have been referred to International Accreditation New Zealand.

Key points for regulators

  • Compliance was poor and future reviews are strongly recommended.

  • Quality assurance amongst manufacturers varies significantly.

  • Councils issuing building consents for wood burners are advised to consult the Ministry for the Environment web list of authorised burners. This list has been updated following the review and is the only national, independently verified list available.

Key points for consumers

  • Quality assurance amongst manufacturers varies significantly. The Masport LE 4000 Provincial was the only burner to pass design verification testing.

  • This is the second part of the first national review of performance of wood burners. The review revealed poor compliance with respect to the national environmental standards for air quality and burner authorisations. The Ministry and partner councils are working with industry to resolve the identified issues.

  • People intending to purchase a wood burner are advised to consult the Ministry for the Environment web list of authorised burners. This list has been updated following the review and is the only national, independently verified list available.

Key points for manufacturers

  • The review revealed poor compliance with respect to the national environmental standards for air quality and burner authorisations.

  • The overall lack of compliance in this review means that additional reviews will be necessary. Future reviews are likely to increase costs for those manufacturers who fail to demonstrate compliance as they will also face an increased likelihood of actions such as suspension of burners from the authorised list.

  • The intent of the review is to support a ‘level playing field’ for business and to publicise information on compliance for consumers. These reviews therefore, reward not only compliance but also proactive, responsible behaviour in response to identified compliance issues.

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