Archives for October 2023

• UK homes are the worst in Western Europe for heat loss
• 98% of windows do not meet current building regulations
• New windows can save homeowners up to £395 per year off their energy bills

80 million home windows need to be replaced if the UK hopes to meet the government’s net zero targets.

That is just one of the alarming statistics revealed in the ‘A Window of Opportunity’ report, 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.”

Notes to editors

‘A Window of Opportunity’ was developed by British Glass and the Glass and Glazing Federation. These organisations represent the industry from glass and framing production through to installation and recycling. The industry is worth £4 billion per annum to the UK economy and employs over 100,000 individuals.  

The full report can be found here: https://www.ggf.org.uk/launch-of-a-new-campaign-a-window-of-opportunity/

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Media House:

Sophie Ross – sophie@mediahouse.co.uk / 07555 367651

Lorna Gardner – lorna@mediahouse.co.uk / 07813 193618

Over the past five months, we have presented the proposed new subscription model at all GGF committees and regional meetings. We want to thank all members who have provided insight and feedback, we have listened to what you had to say.

The current pricing structure has been in place since the GGF was founded in 1977 and a change was therefore long overdue. The new model is one that reflects the benefits and values of membership to the whole GGF community, regardless of the role you fulfil within our sector.

The new subscription model will come into effect from the 1^st January 2024. You are able to view and download the full subscription model below, and this week you will also receive an email from the membership team requesting that you complete your turnover declaration as normal.

The cost of GGF membership has not changed since 2015 and next year will see an increase for some of you. We understand that any price increase is never good and we have delayed and minimised these changes for as long as was possible.

Member Discounts

In addition to the new model there are also discounts available to all GGF Members on their 2024 subscription.

• Return your turnover declaration form by the 13^th November and receive a 2.5% discount.
• Pay your membership renewal fee by the 31^st January and receive a further 2.5% discount.

We want to ensure your GGF membership provides you with the greatest value for money possible so please take advantage of these offers.

Monthly Payments by Direct Debit

We would also like to encourage all members who aren’t already paying their membership fee by Direct Debit, to do so from January 2024. The change to a monthly DD will help spread the cost of your membership across the course of the year and mean less admin to complete going forward.

We hope you have seen the numerous positive changes taking place at the GGF over the past two years, all of them with the intention of providing the GGF community with the tools to help make your business a success. Membership numbers are currently at a ten-year high and we look forward to seeing that number grow over the next 12 months.

Should you have any questions about your GGF membership for 2024, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss them with you.

We look forward to continue working with you and seeing the GGF community continue to thrive.