The government wants us to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, and modern double glazing can provide a boost to your home’s eco credentials.
The rising cost of energy has thrown a sharp focus on the energy efficiency of our homes and a recent report by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has highlighted that 80 million home windows would need to be replaced if the UK is to meet the government’s Net Zero emissions target by 2050.
The GGF, the glazing industry’s trade federation, estimates that 98 per cent of windows do not meet current building regulations for energy efficiency and that by upgrading pre-2002 glazing to today’s standards would save an average household £395 each year. Modern glazing performs 50 per cent better than older double glazing, and 70 per cent better than single glazing.
The UK has the least energy efficient housing stock in Western Europe, and bringing homes up to standard with modern double glazing would also reduce the carbon emissions of residential homes by 5.96m tonnes per year – the equivalent of removing 3.54m cars from the road.
The GGF says that a ‘fabric-first approach’ is the most practical way for the government to achieve its Net Zero target and that with 28m dwellings, each with an average 10.5 windows per property, an already improved home would benefit from a 22 per cent heat saving.
Speaking after the publication of the report, titled A Window of Opportunity, GGF president Natalie Little said: “Almost a quarter of the UK’s homes have double glazing that is at least 20 years old and therefore doesn’t meet today’s standards and would benefit from immediate replacement. It’s like driving a 20-year-old car. It will get you from A to B, but will not be as fuel and emissions efficient as a new car.”
“Double glazing is more environmentally friendly than single glazing,” says West Norfolk Glass’ managing director Geoff Parker, “and by maintaining a more stable indoor temperature with better insulation owners can reduce the carbon emissions of their home.
“Well-installed double glazing can last for many years, often for three decades or more, and this longevity helps to reduce the environmental impact associated with the manufacture, transport and disposal of glass products.
“As a founding member of the GGF, we support the federation in raising awareness of the opportunity for both the government and homeowners individually to improve the energy efficiency of UK housing and the corresponding environmental benefits.”
Four glazing choices to improve your home’s energy efficiency
- Clear choice
West Norfolk Glass’ team can help you to choose the best double or triple glazing to suit your home and budget. Planitherm Comfort Plus glass has a special clear coating to reflect heat from the sun and retain warmth in a room. The transparent layer also helps to improve security, reduce noise and block UV light. Ideal for homes with large glazed areas, bi-fold doors and south- or west-facing rooms, Planitherm Comfort Plus can be used in both new-builds and renovations. - Keep it clean
Rooflights and lanterns are an attractive and easy way to create a light-filled conservatory or extension, and Atlas roof glass comes with solar control glass, which reflects more than 60 per cent of the sun’s energy, and self-cleaning technology as standard – this microscopic film helps daylight and rainwater to break down and wash away dirt and grime naturally. - Just a second
Even if your property is listed or your house sits within a heritage area, secondary glazing can improve your home’s thermal efficiency by up to 65 per cent by creating an extra barrier to prevent heat escaping. Granada’s secondary glazing is supplied with an FSC approved timber subframe which acts as a thermal barrier, reducing cold transference and levels of condensation. - Long life
Plastic is more energy efficient than timber and aluminium, and a typical PVCu window frame lasts around 35 years which can then be recycled up to ten times, giving it a potential lifespan of up to 350 years. Available in almost any colour and with a range of effects, PVCu windows and doors can be highly customised to suit your home’s style.
