Hunter Stoves supports parliamentary event highlighting the role of modern wood burning stoves in a low-carbon future
MPs hear how modern wood burning stoves support a low-carbon future
13 November 2025
Last week, Hunter Stoves joined fellow representatives from the Stove Industry Association (SIA) at a parliamentary drop-in session in Portcullis House. The aim was to provide MPs with clear, evidence-based insight into how modern wood burning stoves can support the UK’s transition toward low-carbon and resilient home heating.
The event was hosted by the SIA and sponsored by Steve Race, MP for Exeter. It attracted cross-party interest, with 11 MPs in attendance along with officials from Defra’s Air Quality and Domestic Emissions teams.
Throughout the session, discussions centred on the difference between modern Ecodesign-compliant appliances and older stoves or open fires. Today’s advanced stove technology delivers significantly reduced emissions and improved efficiency, particularly when paired with properly dried wood fuel. This distinction is key as the UK progresses towards new energy frameworks, including the Future Homes Standard.
A major focus of the discussion was energy resilience. Modern stoves have a role to play as an affordable and renewable secondary heat source, offering households support during power cuts, periods of peak electricity demand, or in properties where electric heating alone may not be suitable. For rural and off-grid homes in particular, the option of a dependable, independent heat source remains essential.
MPs also explored the wider value the stove industry brings to the UK economy. Beyond manufacturing, the sector includes installers, chimney sweeps, distributors, showrooms, laboratories, training centres, fuel suppliers and forestry businesses. As one of the manufacturers present, we were proud to showcase the innovation and engineering taking place across the British stove industry.
Reflecting on the event, Steve Race MP commented on the importance of evidence-led decision-making:
“It is vital that policy decisions around home heating are grounded in clear evidence and distinguish between modern stove technology and those older appliances or open fires. This sector supports skilled jobs in communities across the country and contributes to energy affordability and resilience.”
Erica Malkin, Executive Director of the Stove Industry Association, added:
“Modern Ecodesign stoves, when used with properly dried and seasoned wood fuel, offer households a resilient, renewable, and affordable source of secondary heat. As the UK transitions to low-carbon homes, it is crucial that policy recognises the clear distinction between today’s Ecodesign stove technologies and older appliances.”
We were pleased to participate in this valuable discussion and to help demonstrate the role modern stove technology can play in a balanced, flexible and resilient heating future for the UK. Hunter Stoves remains committed to ongoing innovation, responsible manufacturing, and supporting policy development that reflects accurate evidence and real-world performance.
For those interested in learning more about Ecodesign stoves or the future of sustainable heating, our retailers are always happy to help. Find your nearest retailer here: https://www.hunterstoves.co.uk/find-a-retailer/
