Double Glazing – The Industry Takes Action
We’ve said it before – double glazing is the forgotten energy efficiency measure that, unless you’re looking to upgrade from single glazing, is pretty much ignored and unsupported in any form of government funding or double glazing grants in the UK.
Frustrating this certainly is as the benefits of upgrading from old double glazing to new can be significant and really support the government in its drive to net zero.
The industry is taking action though through the publication of a new report aptly called “A Window of Opportunity” and a publicity campaign which has recently led to high level discussions at Number 10 itself!
In spring 2023, the Treasury re-published the Energy Saving Materials list and once again, Glazing was not included. Following the release of this, British Glass and the GGF created the infographic.
When two MPS asked Treasury why Glazing was not on the list, the replies denoted to a report stating that 86% of homes already have double glazing, implicating this is ‘job done’. However, the industry is aware that this is incorrect which encouraged British Glass and the GGF to begin the journey in proving that not all double glazing is the same.
The GGF and British Glass worked with Elmhurst Consultancy on a report to highlight the Heat Loss through windows and doors to demonstrate that the heat loss is much greater than previously thought and this prompted them to develop a dual branded infographic entitled ‘A Window of Opportunity’.
The infographic aims to serve as an easy to follow document, which articulates a story to educate and inform Government, Treasury and Stakeholders about windows and doors and the contribution that they can make to energy efficiency.
Download A Window of Opportunity >
A Visit To Number 10 Downing Street
GGF President Natalie Little, Group Managing Director John Agnew, Head of Membership and Customer Relations Ben Wallace and Head of GGF Technical Department Dave Borland had the honour of attending Number 10 Downing Street to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Political Advisor, Ameet Jogia MBE.
The purpose was to discuss in detail the GGF / British Glass collaboration, A Window of Opportunity and how the document articulates a story to educate and inform Government, Treasury and Stakeholders about windows and doors and the contribution that they can make to energy efficiency.
John Agnew, Group Managing Director at the GGF, explains:
“The GGF recently conducted a comprehensive piece of research into the part glazing can play in achieving Net Zero, and the results were conclusive. Despite the fact 86% of homes already have double glazing (the government’s previous argument for excluding the sector from the Energy Company Obligation (ECO+) Scheme), we all know that this isn’t the full story. For example, seventy per cent of windows installed since 2002 were C rated and so they don’t meet the relevant building standards of today.”
The GGF translated the research into the easy-to-read ‘A Window of Opportunity’ infographic to highlight the difference glazing can make.
GGF President, Natalie Little said:
“Thank you to Arun Photay for facilitating the engagement and for his gracious hospitality. It was certainly a milestone for our industry and any progress that the GGF makes in the space is progress for all stakeholders in this industry.”
“We successfully highlighted to government that the research calculates a significant 80 million windows would benefit from immediate replacement, saving as much C02 as taking 1.88 million cars off the road. We were also able to demonstrate the timely cost saving benefit to individuals as the research estimates the average annual saving per household for upgrading windows to current standards at £395.
The GGF will continue to support the industry by gathering and collating the facts and presenting them to the people that have the power to make a change.
It was a privilege to meet and speak with Ameet, as it gave the GGF an opportunity to discuss the role of glazing in reducing the nation’s carbon emissions, and all of the fantastic and innovative work taking place in our industry that can make a difference and contribute to the government’s Net Zero Targets for 2050.”
Making A Difference
What is great to see is that the industry is taking action and douing so collaboratively … working together not just for the benefit of the industry but also for the good of the consumer by getting the message across that, like anything, double glazing technology has advanced over the years meaning that upgrading from old double glazing to new could make a significant impact to energy efficiency and so really needs to be considered for inclusion in eth various different government grant funding streams which are in place to support the commitment to energy security, fuel poverty and net zero.
Congratulations to the GGF and British Glass – great initiative.
Useful Links
