Sustainability
Reuse, recirculation, climate impact and sustainability. These are core values which are deeply entrenched in our philosophy and set the agenda for the way in which Jøtul is managed today and how we are preparing for the future. It makes it easy for the consumer to make environmentally friendly choices when they invest in a new wood stove or fireplace.
A significant proportion of the raw materials we use consist of old cast iron stoves which have been melted down for recycling. The recycled stoves are basically taken into the factory at one end and come out at the other as modern, clean burn versions at the other.
You will also do the climate a big favor by switching to a clean burn stove. Back in 1998, Norway introduced a statutory requirement that all wood stoves sold in Norway must be clean burn. Non-clean burn stoves contribute to substantial emissions of particulate matter - harmful airborne dust - through the chimney.
As one of the countries with the strictest requirements regarding emissions of particulate matter, we refer to figures from the research institute SINTEF, the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) and Statistics Norway (SSB) which indicate that wood-firing is a much larger source of airborne dust on a national basis than emissions from road traffic, precisely because of pollution from old stoves.
Air pollution caused by wood-firing in old stoves is of course not a problem that is unique to Norway. Many countries across Europe have begun to focus on reducing air pollution in recent decades, which has led to improvements in air quality. However, air pollution in some European towns and cities still poses a health risk, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). If you want to check the air quality where you live over the past two years and compare it with that in other cities across Europe, you can use the EEA’s map view for urban air quality.
According to senior researcher Susana Lopez-Aparicio from NILU (Norwegian Institute for Air Research), the use of wood for heating is increasing in Europe. This ancient source of heat is increasingly being used because of poverty, often involving old, non-clean burn stoves, particularly in Eastern European countries and Greece It is therefore important to spread the message regarding the importance of using Clean burn Technology and the correct firing method.
Amongst other things, ‘sustainable’ means that we must consider future generations when we buy goods and services as consumers. However, if our personal carbon footprint is to be neutral, we must also look at how much carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions we release as a result of our lifestyle.
Enova, which is working to convert Norway to a low-emission country, describes climate change as being one of the biggest challenges of our time. They believe that “As individuals, we can influence greenhouse gas emissions, and small steps can make a big difference”, – adding that switching to wood stoves and installing fireplace inserts in open fireplaces is a very worthwhile measure.
As part of our focus on the climate, the company invests heavily in developing wood stoves and fireplace inserts which minimize particulate emissions. This has given us a world-leading position within ”Clean burn Technology” – the combustion technology which ensures that as much heat as possible reaches the room and as little pollution as possible passes up through the pipe.
Our products are, on average, well below the emission requirement for ECO design, and work is ongoing to further reduce emissions.
It is our corporate social responsibility to contribute to a healthier climate and the green switch. As more and more consumers want to make their choices based on the environment and sustainability, we want to help them make those choices by offering more environmentally friendly products.
Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Jøtul, René Christensen
We also have a burning international desire to spread the message of the importance of clean burn wood-firing technology from a climate and health perspective, and are working actively to provide government authorities and organizations around the world with the information they need to make the right decisions.
With better combustion, our Clean burn Technology also gives you far more heat per log. With the right fuel, you will need less wood to produce the same amount of heat as an old stove. You will therefore not only save the environment; your wallet will be healthier too!
Conclusion: After a few years of using a clean burn stove, you will have got your money back on your investment thanks to the savings you have made. However, the most important consideration is the environmental benefits you have brought about for your surroundings and successors!
