News
6 | NOVEMBER 2023
News
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk
80 MILLION WINDOWS NEED TO BE REPLACED ACROSS THE UK
That is just one of the alarming statistics revealed in a report , ‘ A Window of Opportunity ’, jointly published by the Glass and Glazing Federation ( GGF ) and British Glass . This is the most extensive report in the Glazing industry to date , publishing results from extensive research on heat loss in homes and the contribution that modern windows can make to keeping people ’ s homes warm .
When it comes to heat loss in a home , the UK currently has the least efficient housing stock in Western Europe and has seen one of the worst carbon reductions of all sectors since 1990 .
The report demonstrates that replacing older double glazed windows with new windows that meet current standards can reduce heat loss in an already insulated home by half , from 44 % to 22 %.
Other figures that are certain to shock millions of homeowners are :
• 80 million windows would benefit from being replaced now
• The UK ’ s housing stock is the worst performing country in Western Europe in terms of heat loss , and three times less energy efficient than Germany
• Double glazing installed pre- 2002 is in approximately 23 % of the UK ’ s current housing stock and is 50 % less energy efficient than new windows to current standards
• 22 % heat saving could be achieved in properties that have already been insulated to best practice if pre-2002 windows are replaced
• Homes fitted with new windows to current standards could see a saving of up to £ 395 per year
• 24 % of the UK ’ s carbon emissions come from the residential sector
• Replacing pre-2002 double glazing with new double glazing to current standards is the equivalent of taking 1.88 million cars off the road
Chris Beedel , Head of Advocacy at the GGF , said : “ We are in continuous discussion with the government about net zero targets and the positive contribution that would be made if older double glazed windows were to be replaced . As the government looks to achieve net zero , it is clear homeowners and our industry have a vital role to play .
“ We are well aware of the current state of the economy , and as the government requires higher energy efficiencies from new windows , there needs to be real incentives for homeowners to make the necessary change to new windows .”
Chris continues : “ The residential sector currently contributes to almost a quarter of the entire country ’ s carbon emissions . This needs to change – reducing emissions from households , and therefore improving glazing , is crucial in helping reach net zero , which we are all committed to .”
Natalie Little , President of the GGF , said : “ This report may come as a surprise to homeowners , and the government . In the last two decades , replacement window and door technology has developed enormously through manufacturing and improvements in plastics , glass and metals .”
Natalie , who also acts as Commercial Director of truhouse ., her family ’ s home improvement company based in Stroud , Gloucestershire , added : “ Today ’ s double and triple glazing is light years ahead of what was available 20 years ago with windows installed today performing 50 % better than old double glazing and 70 % better than single glazing . 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 .
“ Standards are constantly under review and we await the government consultation on the Future Homes Standard for new build homes which could see a move to triple glazing and much more stringent energy efficiency requirements .”
www . ggf . org . uk