Ecodesign compliant stove
EcoDesign compliant stoves are stoves that have been awarded an EcoDesign certificate, that is to say they comply with certain regulations in relation to their environmental impact. In the UK this also means they comply with requirements set out by the Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs.
As of January 2022, although existing stoves do not need to be replaced all new stoves on the market need to be ecodesign compliant. In terms of wood burning stoves that means that they produce significantly less particle emissions (PM 2.5 and others), less organic gaseous compounds (OGC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) which can reduce air quality outside as well as inside the home.
The term Ecodesign related back to the Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for the setting of Ecodesign requirements for energy-related products. This directive covered a wide variety of energy related products including stoves, which are listed as solid fuel local space or solid fuel boilers (if they include water heating) below is a list of all products falling within the directive:
- Domestic and service industry lighting products:
- Directional and non-directional lamps (including ultraviolet radiation)
- Fluorescent lamps (without integrated ballast)
- High-intensity discharge lamps
- Ballasts and luminaires able to operate such lamps
- Electrical devices:
- Household appliances:
- Cookers
- Dishwashers
- Freezers
- Refrigerators
- Tumble dryers
- Washing machines
- Vacuum cleaners
- Heating and cooling devices:
- Other products:
- Circulators
- Electric motors
- Electric power consumption standby and off mode
- External power supplies
- Imagining equipment
- Power transformers
- Professional refrigeration
- Water pumps
In the UK specifically, the Clean Air Act was introduced in 1956 a few years after the Great Smog of London, the Act included a definition of smoke control areas. The act was extended in 1968, then replaced by the Clean Air Act 1993, which remains in force, although other acts and bills support it further.
The Government’s Clean Air Strategy of 2019 stated wood and coal stoves accounted for 38 per cent of particulate matter related air pollution, these statistics were the updated in 2022 to indicate that 17% of such pollution was related wood fuels. As of January 2022 all stoves on the market need to be ecodesign compliant, although existing stoves do not need to be replaced. The UK Environmental Improvement Plan of 2023, further defines Smoke Control Areas as areas where wood burners may only emit 3 grams (g) of smoke per hour.
As well as ecodesign compliant stoves, there are what are called DEFRA-exempt stoves, which also significantly reduce emissions, they are related but not always the same and should be checked. Ecodesign stoves are also checked by DEFRA. Other scheme that support initiatives to reduce pollution from wood burners, improve efficiency and safety are: HETAS Cleaner Choice Approval Scheme (DEFRA-exempt and emitting 50% less particulates than required for DEFRA-exemption, the 5 level Clearskies certification scheme, with level 3 being DEFRA-exempt and ecodesign compliant, level 4 releasing 15% less pollutants than ecodesign compliant, and level 5 15% less again.
It is also important to note that maintenance of any stove system is crucial to efficiency, safety and pollution potential, both in terms of the stove itself as well as the chimney of flue which needs cleaning at least yearly. So not all forms of burning are equally polluting even if specifying an ecodesign compliant stove, how well it is used how well it is maintained, and what fuels are burnt in it play a significant role.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Appliance.
- Biomass.
- Cast iron.
- Fire in buildings.
- Fireplace.
- Hearth.
- Kitchen.
- Testing solid fuel stoves.
- Stove.
[edit] External Links
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02009L0125-20121204
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.