Peter Mintoft of Charlton & Jenrick explains the Government’s decision to allow woodburning stoves in new homes under the Future Homes Standard and the impact for self-builders.
Despite increasing environmental regulations, the UK Government has confirmed that woodburning stoves will continue to be permitted in new homes – welcome news for self-builders seeking both style
and sustainability.
As the UK moves toward its 2050 net zero target, the introduction of the Government’s Future Homes Standard has prompted significant discussion within the homebuilding sector. A key concern was whether traditional heating appliances, such as woodburning stoves, would be excluded from new build properties. However, recent developments have clarified that these appliances will remain allowed as secondary heating sources.
In a communication to the Stove Industry Association (SIA), the Government confirmed that woodburning stoves will be permitted in new homes in England under the Future Homes Standard. This decision has been positively received by manufacturers, suppliers and environmentally conscious homeowners who have invested in modern, low emission stove technologies.
The decision is a significant acknowledgement of the evolving role of solid fuel appliances in low carbon living. The move supports consumer choice while highlighting the importance of sustainable secondary heating systems compatible with energy efficient homes.
A LOW CARBON FUTURE
The Future Homes Standard mandates that all new build homes utilise low carbon heating systems and achieve high energy efficiency. While primary heating will rely on technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels, the Government’s clarification allows self-builders to incorporate woodburning stoves as supplementary heating options.
This approach supports the broader trend toward hybrid heating systems, which combine renewable technologies with traditional appliances to enhance energy flexibility and reduce strain on the national grid during peak periods. Wood stoves can be a very large contributor to relieving the power load on electricity networks when they are under maximum stress. For homes in rural or off-grid locations, the ability to use energy independent fuel sources remains particularly valuable, most clearly in the event of network disruptions, severe weather events and more.
TECHNOLOGY THAT MEETS THE STANDARD
The Government’s decision is underpinned by the improved performance of modern woodburning stoves. Since January 2022, all stoves sold in the UK must comply with Ecodesign standards, which limit emissions and enhance efficiency. These regulations, part of the UK’s Clean Air Strategy, ensure that new stoves emit significantly lower pollutants than older models or open fires. This fact is often lost in widespread misinformation about wood burning with modern appliances.
Leading stove brands now feature advanced combustion technology that optimises airflow, enabling more complete wood combustion and reducing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions by up to 90% compared to open fires. These stoves also align with the clearSkies certification system, which demonstrates that high performing appliances go beyond basic Ecodesign. When used correctly with well seasoned wood and installed professionally, an Ecodesign stove is both clean and efficient, a modern appliance for a modern home.
PRACTICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Modern woodburning stoves offer several advantages that appeal to self-builders and renovators:
- Energy independence: Provides a backup heat source during power outages, especially in remote areas.
- Localised heating: Enables zoning to reduce energy waste and lower overall heating costs.
- Aesthetic value: Serves as a striking architectural feature in contemporary interiors.
- Sustainability: When fuelled with responsibly sourced wood, it contributes to a home’s low carbon footprint.
- Wellbeing: Recent studies identify and confirm the wellbeing and social benefits of woodburning stoves.
Good stove and flue maintenance and using the correct fuel are essential. Burning well-seasoned or kiln dried logs, rather than wet or manufactured logs, minimises smoke and maximises heat output, helping users stay within emissions limits and maintain indoor and outdoor air quality.
A POSITIVE STEP
The Government’s announcement follows extensive industry engagement. Earlier this year, a letter cosigned by the SIA, the Confederation of Forest Industries, and the British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers Association was submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, emphasising the role of wood stoves in sustainable home heating.
Robust support for modern stove use has also been seen in Scotland, where a proposed ban on stoves in new homes was completely reversed in September 2024 following immense public opposition. These developments
reflect a growing recognition of the nuanced role that modern, cleaner burning stoves play in domestic heating, particularly when integrated into broader energy strategies.
Although concerns about wood burning persist, especially in urban areas, data indicates that emissions from domestic combustion have decreased by over 70% since 1990, thanks to technological advancements and increased public awareness. For rural and semi-rural self-builders, a clean, efficient stove remains a viable and attractive component of an eco conscious home.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the Future Homes Standard nears finalisation, the self-build and renovation community now has clarity: woodburning stoves will remain an option, provided they meet Ecodesign standards as a minimum and are used responsibly. This opens the door for combining the charm and warmth of traditional stoves with the performance and low emissions expected of future ready homes.
Manufacturers remain committed to supporting sustainable homebuilding without compromise. With ongoing innovation in stove design, research and development, and installation practices, woodburning stoves are poised to remain a key element of British home heating, not as a relic of the past, but as a forward-looking solution.
Peter Mintoft is managing director at Charlton & Jenrick