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priorities are in direct competition with one another
We ’ ll continue to see innovation in IG and window spacer technology – and a key part of my job is to drive these projects . But between now and 2050 , I think we ’ ll start to see a much more integrated approach to sustainable glazing – not just about individual components , but through system solutions . For example , like many other homeowners I ’ ve been having work carried out on my property recently , and chose to have my windows installed with Edgetech ’ s own TruFit ® product – a compressed foam window installation tape . This was new to our builders , but they really appreciated the ease and speed of use compared to silicone sealing .
The tape is designed to expand to seal the gaps between the frame and the wall for an exceptionally thermally efficient
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installation and a very pleasing consistent matte finish . We had some old irregular brick openings as well as the new crisp brickwork and it accommodated both equally well .
I think it ’ s through a combination of outstanding spacers , high performance glass and modern installation methods that we ’ ll achieve a higher standard of building fabric for a greener built environment .
You mention a greener built environment – how confident are you that construction can ‘ go green ’ and help Britain hit net zero by 2050 ?
It ’ s a huge challenge . I ’ m confident we can significantly reduce the environmental impact of Britain ’ s buildings through the Future Homes initiative and Document L changes improving standards of insulation . But for me the more important question
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is – what incentive do people currently have to invest the money necessary to do that ?
I live in rural Shropshire , and a while back we had a serious flood which did a lot of damage . When the water receded , and we started picking up the pieces , we decided we ’ d turn it into the most sustainable house we could – to ‘ build back better ’, in the words of the Prime Minister .
So , we ’ ve installed triple-glazing , an air source heat pump and underfloor heating . But if that flood hadn ’ t happened , would we have made the same investment ? Maybe eventually , but certainly not when we did .
The Green Homes Grant was a big disappointment , and we definitely need a more effective incentive for homeowners to replace that scheme . The Future Homes Directive and Document L
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changes will take care of new build and extensions , but won ’ t necessarily drive investment in upgrading the fabric of current building stock required for achieving the net zero targets .
I also think that , if people put the effort into retrofitting a property , that needs to be reflected in the house valuation or even factored in the council tax calculation , as another way of incentivising sustainability .
Ultimately , I think we have the technological ability to bring about a retrofit revolution – now it ’ s more a case of introducing the incentives to make it happen . Fortunately , at Edgetech we have the internal focus and drive , supported by parent company Quanex , to embrace and invest in these emerging technologies .
For more information ,
please call 02476 639931 or
visit www . edgetechig . co . uk
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