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Air Quality in Canterbury

Air

Taking Action

What is Environment Canterbury Doing About Air Pollution? 

Read more about the current rules. 

Environment Canterbury has existing and proposed rules for woodburners and open fires (Air Plan or Proposed Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan, Chapter 3: Air Quality). The rules are different depending on your situation and where in Canterbury you live.

Christchurch homeowners including landlords may qualify for subsidies for insulation and replacement heating under the Clean Heat Project. Leaving Ecan's Website Icon The Clean Heat Project is paid for through a targeted rate on Christchurch properties (excluding the Banks Peninsula Ward).

An up-to-date list of low-emission woodburners and pellet fires approved for installation and a list of woodburners and pellet fires qualifying for Clean Heat Project subsidies, can be found here.  


How Can You Help? 

Open fires are the most polluting and inefficient form of heating - up to 85% of the heat generated on an open fire goes right up the chimney and is not used to heat your home. Older solid fuel burners are also more polluting and less efficient than modern, low-emission burners. If you use an open fire or older solid fuel burner to heat your home, consider replacing it with a less polluting heating system such as a flued gas or diesel fire, electric heat pump or an approved low-emission woodburner or pellet fire.

Christchurch homeowners including landlords may qualify for subsidies or loans for insulation and replacement heating under the Clean Heat Project Leaving Ecan's Website Icon

Insulation will keep the heat in meaning you will need to generate less heat, causing less pollution. Many homes have substandard insulation, where only a thin layer was installed or the insulation has deteriorated. Ideally a layer of approx. 200mm should be installed (R3.5).

If you burn wood, make sure it is well seasoned. Wet wood generates less heat as much of the heat is used to dry the wood first. Dry wood can give you up to 40% more heat, so it will cost you less to heat your home, and generates less air pollution. Environment Canterbury can test the moisture content of your firewood for free.


Pollution Hotline Return to top of page icon

If you would like to report any pollution please call the pollution hotline on 03 366 4663 (Christchurch), 03 688 3320 (Timaru) or 0800 765588. The pollution hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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