As Britain’s housing stock is set to be decarbonised, a concerning decision has been made to allow wood-burning stoves in new homes, sparking fears over air quality and health.
Heating Britain’s 28 million homes accounts for almost 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. The government is writing its future homes standard, a set of rules for developers aimed at decarbonising England’s housing stock.
The Impact on Air Quality and Health
Wood-burning stoves are significant contributors to air pollution and carbon emissions. The Climate Change Committee recommends phasing out wood-burning stoves in homes due to the carbon they emit and the production of dangerous PM2.5 particles, which can cause a range of health problems including heart and lung disease, diabetes, cancer, brain function, and premature births.
Wood-burning stoves are a popular choice for heating homes, offering several benefits.
They provide efficient heat, with some models achieving up to 80% efficiency.
Additionally, wood-burning stoves can be used as a primary or supplementary heat source.
They also offer a cost-effective option, as wood fuel is often cheaper than other heating sources.
Furthermore, wood-burning stoves can be a more environmentally friendly choice when sustainably sourced wood is used.
A study by Prof Chris Whitty found that even ‘eco-design‘ wood-burning stoves produce 450 times more toxic air pollution than gas central heating. Jemima Hartshorn, co-founder of the Mums for Lungs campaign group, stated: ‘This is a very disappointing and surprising decision by government. We know that wood burning is one of the major sources of toxic air pollution that is killing tens of thousands of people every year and is linked to a range of serious and life-changing diseases.’
Lobbying and Industry Response
Despite growing evidence of harm to health and climate from heating appliances, the government has confirmed that wood-burning stoves will be allowed in new homes. The Stove Industry Association (SIA) welcomed this decision, stating: ‘We are delighted that it has been officially confirmed that under the proposed future homes standard, the installation of a wood-burning stove will be permitted.‘
A Growing Concern
The Labour party is considering making solar panels optional on new homes in England after pressure from housebuilders. This move could further weaken the government’s efforts to decarbonise England’s housing stock. The decision to allow wood-burning stoves in new homes has been met with criticism, and campaigners are urging the government to reconsider its stance on this issue.
