A Backup Plan: The Role of Secondary Heating in Future Homes Standard Compliance

On 10th September, a round table held at the Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall, London, brought together housebuilders, consultants and industry specialists to discuss the role of modern wood-burning stoves in new homes. The event provided a platform to share perspectives that are often overlooked within the housebuilding sector, particularly in the context of growing reliance on electricity and the need for resilient secondary heating solutions.

Set against the backdrop of the Government’s confirmation that wood-burning stoves will be permitted as secondary heating under the Future Homes Standard, delegates explored why modern stove technology can deliver clean, efficient and affordable heat. The discussion addressed how contemporary systems differ significantly from older perceptions, offering carbon savings through targeted room heating while supporting household resilience in the face of potential grid constraints.

The round table examined both the opportunities and challenges for housebuilders. Contributors shared real-world experience of specification, compliance and consumer expectations, while highlighting shortcomings in current policy and the need to counter misinformation around air quality and modern stove performance.

Looking ahead, the discussion moved beyond the technical case for wood-burning stoves to consider how wider acceptance could be achieved in volume housebuilding. Delegates agreed that collaboration between manufacturers, designers and developers will be essential to position stoves not as a luxury, but as a practical and attractive feature that balances resilience, comfort and regulatory compliance, and better reflects the expectations of future homebuyers.

Attendees:

• Danielle Michalska-Morris, Director of Research & Technical Innovation, Taylor Wimpey
• Calvin May, Head of Technical & Certification, HETAS
• Jason Harries, Head of Woodsure
• Erica Malkin, Executive Director, Stove Industry Association
• James Verlaque, Director of Policy, Regulation & Technical, Stove Industry Association
• Dennis Milligan, British Flue & Chimney Manufacturers Association, FETA & NHIC
• Ruoyang Yuan, Lecturer, Off-Grid Heating, Supergen Bioenergy Hub (University of Sheffield)
• Naomi Sadler, Director, Sadler Energy & Environmental (SEES)
• Neil Holland, Chairman, UK Pellet Council

• Simon Bower, Technical Director, Percy Doughty

• Peter Mintoft, Managing Director, Charlton & Jenrick

• Mark Ryan, Managing Director, Jotul UK

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