1. BImSchV vs. ecodesign (solid fuel boiler) | Residential wood heating
1. BImSchV vs. ecodesign (solid fuel boiler)
The German particulate matter limit value for solid fuel boilers continues to apply
The Ecodesign Regulation for solid fuel boilers, which has been in effect Europe-wide since 1 January 2020, stipulates a particulate matter limit value for the placing on the market of solid fuel boilers that is less stringent than the limit value for their operation set out in the 1. BImSchV, the Ordinance on Small and Medium-Sized Firing Installations. The Federal Government saw the less stringent provisions of the Ecodesign Regulation for solid fuel boilers as endangering the achievement of the 2030 NEC objectives for reducing particulate matter emissions and consequently submitted a request to the European Commission to maintain its stricter rule. The European Directive on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants (NEC Directive) requires a 43 percent reduction of particulate matter emissions in Germany compared with 2005. In addition, any deterioration of air quality due to particulate matter emissions must be avoided, especially in residential areas, for the protection of human health.
In response, the European Commission issued a decision of 13 May 2020, according to which Germany is allowed to maintain the national provisions on emission limit values for particulate matter as laid out in Section 5(1) of the 1. BImSchV that apply to solid fuel boilers subject to the Ecodesign Regulation. These provisions have been in effect in Germany since 1 January 2015. Annex C.5 of the European standard (DIN EN 303-5, of October 2012) for the type approval testing of solid fuel boilers has also included special provisions for Germany for some years. International awareness of Germany's stringent particulate matter limit value should therefore be widespread.
When selecting a new solid fuel boiler, operators should look specifically at whether the boiler they are purchasing complies with the 1. BImSchV provisions on particulate matter emissions. Compliance with the European provisions on type approval testing in accordance with the Ecodesign Regulation does allow the manufacturer or retailer access to the free movement of goods in the European internal market. Nonetheless, the operation of solid fuel boilers in Germany must conform to the 1. BImSchV with regard to emission limit values on particulate matter; compliance is tested for the first time within four weeks after putting the boiler into service and then every two years by emission measurement on site.
Simply put, for operators this means that manufacturers and retailers are allowed to offer solid fuel boilers that only meet the less strict EU rules. However, if this type of boiler is installed it must be proven to meet the German limit values on particulate matter in long term operation. If this is not the case, the boiler must be upgraded or shut down.
Potential customers who are uncertain about the selection of a new heating system should obtain advice from experts such as specialty retailers, energy consultants, heating technicians or chimney sweeps who can all offer good support.