70
HEATING, VENTILATION & SERVICES
Why modern wood burning stoves belong in Future Homes
Erica Malkin of the Stove Industry Association explains why modern wood burning stoves offer architects a low carbon, resilient secondary heat source for sustainable home design, and one which is now backed by policy.
industry concern, the Scottish Government reversed its proposal to restrict the installation of wood burning stoves in new build homes. Meanwhile, in England, Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook MP confi rmed that modern stoves will be permitted in homes built to the forthcoming Future Homes Standard. Both announcements refl ect growing recognition that modern stove technology has earned its place in sustainable building design.
A
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
A low carbon, local fuel source When sustainably sourced and properly seasoned, wood is a ‘carbon lean’ fuel. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during growth, which is then released when burned, creating a relatively short carbon cycle. Unlike fossil fuels, which release long sequestered carbon, wood used responsibly supports a renewable model. Most wood logs and other types of wood fuel are a by-product of sustainable woodland management or sawmill activity. Using this local fuel helps to support the circular economy, create rural jobs, and encourage biodiversity through active woodland stewardship.
s the UK moves toward net zero and the decarbonisation of domestic heating, architects are increasingly being called on to specify solutions that are not only energy effi cient but which are also resilient, fl exible, and futureproof. In this context, the role of modern wood burning stoves as a secondary heat source is rightly being reassessed, both in policy and practice. Recent political developments have added renewed momentum to this shift. In Scotland, following public and
Cleaner technology
Modern stoves are a world away from the smoky open fi res of the past. Appliances that meet Ecodesign standards signifi cantly reduce emissions, producing up to 90% fewer fi ne particulates (PM2.5) than open fi res, and around 80% less than older stove models.
These stoves also deliver high levels of
effi ciency, with many achieving over 80%, meaning more heat is extracted from each log and less fuel is needed overall.
ADF SEPTEMBER 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
