The eagerly awaited release of the consultation on the Future Homes Standard has delivered some unexpected developments for the industry including the decision to retain the current notional values , keeping them at 1.2 W /( m ² K ) for windows and 1.0 W /( m ² K ) for doors . Phil said : “ Whilst the proposal to retain the current thermal efficiency requirements has attracted the headlines , now is not the time to be complacent . These proposals are in the consultation period and everyone in the industry needs to continue to make their voices heard . It ’ s also important to

remember that this is only the consultation document so there could still be changes made depending on feedback .”

Phil continued : “ One important change that the consultation proposes is to remove the standard window configuration

from new building dwellings . This means that each window ’ s U value will have to be calculated on their actual size . In other words , even the smallest toilet window will have to comply with the requirements , which is significant .”

The new guide is available to download from the company ’ s Connect digital portal . The award-winning platform also has a live forum where customers can submit their own questions to Epwin Window Systems ’ technical experts .

Phil said : “ Given the intricacy of the consultation it is our responsibility to guide our customers through the complexities .

This new guide , coupled with the online support via Connect , will deliver the clarity needed for our customers and give them the information they require to respond to the consultation document .”

The Department for Levelling Up , Housing and Communities , which is responsible for the Future Homes Standard consultation , gathered information from the industry about the future direction of Document L for this consultation . This included the Glass and Glazing Federation Document L Working Group , of which Epwin Window Systems is a part . Phil said : “ The consultation

period is open now and ends at 11:59pm on 6 March 2024 . Responses can be submitted via https :// consult . levellingup . gov . uk / energy-performance -of-buildings / fhbs-2023- consultation / We would strongly encourage everyone in the industry to continue to make their voices heard .“

In putting together its guide to the consultation , Epwin Window Systems is continuing to take the lead in this vital debate and is supporting its customers in getting to grips with the implications of the proposal .

epwinwindowsystems . co . uk

Speedy Hire , the UK ’ s leading provider of tools , equipment , and plant hire services , has partnered with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to support its # MakeItVisible on-site campaign to raise awareness of the wellbeing and welfare support available to people in the construction industry .

Sarah Bolton , COO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity said , “ We know that by simply having a conversation , our on-site team has made a life changing and lifesaving impact . We have spoken with 260 workers who were on the brink of taking their own lives , and by talking to our team , they have been given

immediate support and we have been able to put in place interventions to help them manage their issues in a positive way .”

As an integral part of the construction and hire industry , Speedy Hire is donating a new vehicle to boost resources for the charity ’ s # MakeItVisible onsite team . The # MakeItVisible on-site initiative was launched in February 2022 and has visited almost 500 sites and engaged with almost 30,000 workers .

The on-site team , who have lived experiences of poor mental health , deliver an informative ‘ Toolbox Talk ’ and workers have the opportunity to engage with them on a one-to-one basis and ask any questions or talk about

any issues they may need help with . In addition to providing a vehicle to support the on-site tours , Speedy Hire is also helping to ‘ Make It Visible ’ by using a number of its vehicles as a colourful canvas to raise awareness of the campaign around the country .

Aaron Powell , Fleet Director at Speedy Hire commented : “ Speedy Hire has been a long-standing partner with the Lighthouse Charity for over 10 years and I am incredibly happy that we have been able to provide a dedicated

vehicle to boost the support that the on-site tours offer . We ’ ll also be raising awareness further by adorning some of our fleet vans with the eye-catching graphics of the ‘ Make It Visible ’ campaign . The Lighthouse Charity plays a vital role in providing financial and emotional help to those in our industry facing difficult times . Our fleet ’ s transformation into moving billboards for this noble cause is a result of our dedication to social responsibility . It ’ s not just about business ; it ’ s about the impact we can have as a business

to save and value lives . As a team , Speedy Hire encourages all our industry peers to take pride in this initiative and make the help and resources visible and accessible for our workforce .”

If you or anyone you know is struggling , reach out for free and confidential support now ;

24 / 7 Construction Industry Helplines ; 0345 605 1956 , ( UK ) 1800 939 122 ( ROI )

Text HARDHAT to 85258 ( UK ) 50808 ( ROI )

www . lighthouseclub . org