The conversation around home heating and air quality is evolving and recent developments from governments, regulators, and environmental commentators confirm that modern wood burning stoves continue to have a place in the UK’s sustainable future.
At the Stove Industry Association (SIA), we welcome these measured, science-based decisions that recognise the vital role our sector can play in reducing emissions while supporting energy resilience and cost-effective heating. Here’s a look at the most significant recent developments:
1. Reversal of the Scottish New Build Heat Standard Stove Ban
In a major win for common sense and consumer choice, the Scottish Government has reversed its initial decision to exclude wood burning stoves from the New Build Heat Standard. This policy originally proposed a blanket ban on “direct emission heating systems” such as stoves and biomass boilers in all new homes.
Following widespread consultation—including strong representation from rural communities, off-grid households, the chimney sweep sector and the SIA—the Scottish Government has confirmed that stoves will be allowed in new builds plus acknowledgement was given to the very low carbon benefits of wood burning for domestic heating. This is a welcome recognition of the role stoves can play in energy security and grid independence, particularly in remote areas.
2. Future Homes Standard to Permit Stoves in New Builds in England
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has also provided much-needed clarity on the Future Homes Standard. In a recent letter to the SIA, the MHCLG confirmed that modern, low-emission wood burning stoves will be permitted in new build homes under the new standard.
This affirms the UK Government’s position that modern stoves are compatible with the broader goals of reducing emissions and improving indoor and outdoor air quality.
3. Advertising Standards Authority Issues Guidance to Brighton & Hove City Council following its “Cosy Killer” Campaign
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) recently issued guidance to Brighton & Hove City Council following complaints about its controversial “cosy killer” campaign, which labelled wood burning stoves as harmful and urged residents to stop using them entirely.
A complaint to the ASA filed by SIA Retail Group member, Andy Genovese of Hove Woodburners, queried whether claims about the health impacts of stoves made by the council in the adverts could be substantiate. The ASA agreed and issued advice to the council about making misleading and unsubstantiated claims about the health impacts of modern stoves.
This action by the ASA underscores the importance of evidence-based public messaging. It also reinforces the distinction between high-emitting open fires and modern stoves that comply with stringent emissions standards.
Andy Genovese of Hove Woodburners has documented the steps that he took and the things that he has learnt in the process of voicing his concerns about his council’s actions and, with his permission, we are pleased to share a link to his insights here.
4. Recognition in the Guardian of the Role of Modern Wood Burning Stoves in Reducing Emissions
Even long-time air quality advocate Dr. Gary Fuller, writing in The Guardian, acknowledged recently that replacing open fires with modern stoves “should lead to decreases in particle pollution.”
This is a critical point: SIA data shows that open fires can produce up to 10 times more particulate matter than an Ecodesign-compliant stove. With the continued rollout of the latest stove technologies, emissions from domestic combustion are already falling—a trend that will only accelerate as more households switch from open fires and outdated appliances to modern, low-emission stoves.
A Balanced, Responsible Approach
These developments are encouraging. They show that when policymakers, regulators, and campaigners engage with the latest science and data, there’s room for sensible, targeted policies that balance environmental goals with practical home heating needs.
At the Stove Industry Association, we remain committed to promoting responsible stove use, encouraging the switch away from open fires and old appliances, and ensuring that consumers have access to efficient, and sustainable heating options and the resources to help them to understand how to use them most effectively.
For more on our work and how modern wood burning stoves are helping to build a sustainable, low emission and low carbon future, visit: https://stoveindustryassociation.org/