In the future you will likely see mention of the European Ecodesign Directive when looking at stoves. Even though it has not been heavily publicised in the UK this is a directive from the European Union which covers a whole array of products and includes electric and fossil fuelled heating equipment.
At this moment in time the Ecodesign Directive is not firmly in place but is more of a consultation arrangement with the industry. In simple terms it sets out mandatory (eventually) ecological requirements for energy using and energy related products sold across all 28 EU member states. The aim is to reduce energy consumption as well as the impact of various pieces of equipment on the environment. There will come a day when all stoves will need to comply with the Ecodesign Directive assuming this comes in before the UK leaves the European Union.
Impact on the environment
As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, the modern day wood-burning stove is a highly efficient heating machine. Aside from the fact we have primary, secondary and tertiary combustion systems available, in a worst-case scenario burning wood will only release the same amount of CO2 that a tree ingests in its lifetime. So, from a pure burning wood point of view there is little more in the way of improvement required from the combustion system.
It is perhaps when you look at the multifuel machines that the primary, secondary and tertiary combustion systems come more into play. Other types of fuel may create significantly greater CO2 emissions than simply burning dried would so the ability to burn off these gases before they reach the flue pipe is vital. You will have noticed that many wood-burning stoves and multifuel stoves now mention the Ecodesign Directive and it will only become more commonplace in years to come.
Stoves will become more popular
When you bear in mind the cost of gas and electric and the number of environmentally friendly European directives released so far, with more to follow, surely this can only make stoves more attractive. We have already seen these directives adding to the unit cost of gas and electric which together with natural market movements will likely see energy bills rise in the average home. The higher energy bills rise the more attractive alternatives become such as stoves which can also be used to heat the water in your home. It will then come down to the cost of wood fuel and other alternatives as to how many people may consider switching at least part of their heating requirements.
What happens when the UK leaves the European Union?
It will be interesting to see any movement on the Ecodesign Directive as and when the UK leaves the European Union. The UK government has on numerous occasions reiterated its commitment to environmentally friendly products and systems. It is also highly likely the majority of stoves sold in the UK in the future will be sourced from Europe and therefore they will already abide by the Ecodesign Directive. Whatever happens, there is no doubt that tougher regulations will be introduced to “protect the environment” and this can only enhance the attractions of a modern day wood-burning and multifuel stove.