Blue Angel for wood stoves | Umweltbundesamt

Bundesumweltministerin Svenja Schulze: “The Blue Angel standard for wood stoves means real progress. Particularly in regions where heating with wood is particularly popular, the authorities can thus take more effective action against particulate matter pollution, for example by only allowing the operation of installations bearing the eco-label. In addition, the Blue Angel creates awareness of the need to operate fireplaces and other wood-burning systems in the most environmentally friendly way possible, without causing air pollution to the neighbourhood."

UBA President Maria Krautzberger said: "Germany already has strict limit values for the pollutant emissions of firewood stoves compared to the rest of the EU. The criteria adopted for the Blue Angel show that we can go beyond that. It drives innovations in the industry sector, provides orientation to consumers and is good for the air we breathe."

The criteria for award of the Blue Angel include emission reduction measures to promote improved firing, and significant reductions in particulate and other exhaust emissions as compared to conventional firewood stoves. These measures can include capture technologies. In addition, automatic ventilation is meant to prevent improper operation by its user. Stoves with the Blue Angel ensure that private households produce less pollutant emissions.

For Blue Angel certification the stoves must pass an advanced type approval test that generates a better picture of emissions during the firing of wood than the current type test. Strict limit values for pollutant emissions including dust were defined. Stoves with the Blue Angel must comply with what is known as a particulate mass value, which undercuts the particulate limit prescribed by law – 15 mg/m 3 instead of 40mg/m 3. Such a reduction can be achieved by the use of a particle separator in particular.

The Blue Angel for wood stoves requires the introduction of a particulate count for wood-fired stoves. A special measuring method was developed for this purpose, based on experience with automotive combustion engines and adapted for wood firing. A particle count of 5x10⁶/cm³ was derived and compliance is to become mandatory as from 2022. In the meantime the measuring procedure will be validated and trialed in round robin tests.

The Blue Angel is a voluntary ecolabel that producers can use to certify their consumer products. It helps consumers to make the more environmentally friendly choice when purchasing products on the market. Certification of products is awarded upon proof of compliance with the award criteria.