Burner manufacturers and suppliers
Encouraging new ultra-low emission wood burners and other cleaner, more efficient wood burning technology is an important part of improving the air our communities breathe. On this page, you will find out steps manufacturers and suppliers need to take to get a wood burner authorised and tested.
Ultra-low emission wood burners (ULEBs)
Under real-life operating conditions, an ultra-low emission wood burner must meet an emissions standard of 38 milligrams per megajoule of heat output and have a thermal efficiency of 65 percent or greater. This is based on the testing being carried out in accordance with the Canterbury Method (CM1) or an approved alternative.
Under the Canterbury Air Regional Plan, authorised ultra-low emission burners may be installed into any home without requiring a resource consent.
Real life testing of ultra-low emission burners
Ultra-low emission wood burners are to be tested to simulated real life conditions. In most cases this will require testing being carried out in accordance with Canterbury Method.
Where the burner design is based on forced or induced downdraught, continuous or semi-continuous wood feeders or burners associated with central heating systems then an alternative real-life test method may be applicable. This testing should include start-up emissions and using wood that would be typically available from a local firewood merchant, including hardwood, softwood and partially seasoned firewood.
We are also willing to consider applications for authorisation of a ULEB based on overseas test reports that may not fulfil all of the requirements of the Canterbury Method. Such applications will be considered if the testing is carried out to a recognised method and if any adjustments to test results made to compensate for missing information would result in a very high probability that emissions and efficiency meet the ULEB standard.
Manufacturers or suppliers seeking ULEB authorisation using a test method other than the Canterbury Method are encouraged to contact us early in the process to discuss the acceptability of the proposed test method.
Apply to have your ULEB authorised
Applicants who have developed, or are in the process of developing or importing, an ultra-low emission wood burner, are encouraged to set up a pre-authorisation meeting by emailing burner.authorisation@ecan.govt.nz This will provide the opportunity to ask questions about the testing and authorisation process and requirements.
Applicants who wish to progress with an application for authorisation of an ultra-low emission wood burner should submit a CON301 application form.
Send your completed application and supporting information to Environment Canterbury, PO Box 345, Christchurch 8140 or email it to burner.authorisation@ecan.govt.nz
ULEB testing and authorisation resources
- Testing and authorisation process flowchart (see image on right)
Other wood burners, pellet burners and appliances
Low emission wood burners and pellet burners
The following burners may also be authorised for installation in Canterbury:
- Low emission wood burners and pellet burners meeting an emissions standard of 1g/kg and an efficiency of at least 65 percent
- Ultra-low emission pellet burners meeting an emissions standard of 0.5g/kg and efficiency of at least 65 percent
Apply for authorisation using the CON301 application form.
Other solid fuel burning appliances
To enquire about authorising any other solid fuel burning appliances, such as wood fired central heating systems, commercial wood fired pizza ovens, or other solid fuel fired ovens, contact burner.authorisation@ecan.govt.nz We will arrange a discussion about your burner.
Modification to currently authorised burner
If you have a currently authorised burner and are making a minor modification to its design, it may be possible to obtain an exemption from having the modified burner re-tested.
To enquire about this please contact burner.authorisation@ecan.govt.nz