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Further Future Homes Standard Collaboration Key to Addressing Energy Bills
Following the Government ’ s statutory advisor ’ s warnings over the impact of inefficient windows on householder energy bills , a prominent polymer manufacturer is imploring commercial window specifiers to review recent updates to building regulations in this area .
Citizens Advice has warned that families could still see up to 30 % of the heat they pay for escape through walls , windows and rooves , despite the Government freezing domestic energy prices . With this in mind , polymer provider REHAU is advocating that suppliers must provide product clarity to fitters so that frames specified for new or retrofit projects meet recent , increasingly stringent energy-efficiency regulations .
Specifically , Mark Gadja , Head of Technical Services and Certification at REHAU is advising product transparency at each supply chain stage , to ensure all windows adhere to uplifts to Part L of the Building Regulations under the Future Homes Standard ( FHS ). Yet with information having continually fluctuated ahead of the long-trailed FHS ’ s June 2022 introduction , Mark is emphasising the importance of engaging experts to ensure energy-efficient properties .
“ The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact householders and property owners , and as Citizens Advice ’ s latest report shows , windows are a key factor behind rising bills ,” says Mark . “ Though we may hope that rising fuel costs are a short-term
concern , it throws the need for energy-efficient properties into stark relief .
“ It is therefore more important than ever that fabricators and installers are aware of the Future Homes Standard and how Part L updates affect window specification and can impart this information to customers and end-users . However , the level of debate that has ensued around this legislation means these stakeholders may receive conflicting or even incorrect information . With energy costs continuing to skyrocket , the long-term effects of not engaging expertise could be drastic for both building occupants and developers .”
Taking into account the lack of clarity around the topic , REHAU has launched a series of fact sheets to assist architects and specifiers across local authority and house building projects . Two documents cover Part L requirements for newbuilds and retrofits respectively , with the remaining two addressing uplifts to Part F of the Building Regulations , concerning ventilation .
Steve Tonkiss , Head of Sales South at REHAU Windows , said : “ The number of technical queries we are receiving from commercial specifiers have skyrocketed since the introduction of the Future Homes Standard . This is undoubtedly encouraging as it shows the sector is getting to grips with the new requirements .
“ Yet the publication of this Citizens Active report demonstrates that more needs to be done , especially in the wake of the energy crisis . Windows are a key area through which heat can be lost , so it is vital that suppliers provide clarity on how these changes can affect installers portfolios . Also , fitters should contact frame providers for assistance on how to best navigate the shifting landscape and pass this information on to householders and commercial project stakeholders . The cost of not doing so is only too real for affected building occupants , so reaching out and looking into further information resources , such as our own ‘ In the Frame ’ hub , is highly advisable .”
To access the ‘ In The Frame ’ hub , visit https :// www . rehau . com / uk-en / navigating-the-future-homes-standard
64 DECEMBER 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM