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The Inaugural GGF Winter Conference
We would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who attended the inaugural GGF Winter Conference held at The Lake Lounge at the Genting Hotel, Resorts World, Birmingham across the 8th & 9th November 2023.
You are able to read a summary from both days of the event below, with access to PDF slides and relevant documents or links that were discussed at the meeting.
We hope this will become a regular event for both the Glazing Executive and Fenestration Executive so we would welcome all feedback, positive or negative, so we can make this a pivotal event for all of our Members.
Introduction and MD Update from John Agnew
At the conference, Members were greeted by GGF MD John Agnew, who expressed the events intention to meet some of the concerns addressed by Members at the Chairpersons Forum in regards to meeting time and repetition of content. A special thanks to David Borland in his ground work in creating this event and Kevin Jones for his efforts finalising everything for the two days.
John provided insight into several topics that help summarise a positive year for the GGF and its technical team, despite the challenges of changes to Building Regulations. Work of both GGF Staff and its Members led to a positive meeting at No 10 Downing Street to discuss the Window of Opportunity Document.
The mention of environmental subjects and training on the agenda shows the commitment to help provide nationwide recycling schemes and training for members and ensure where possible we are ahead of government and be in position to help inform them on both sustainability and Net Zero.
Lastly, an update of the GGF board and staffing changes including Training was discussed prior to the review of the new GGF subs model which you can access here.
Group Matters - Kevin Jones
Part of the scope of this event is to bring together several groups in one room and ensure that that the current workings and targets of each group are shared and any common goals collaborated on. Senior Technical Officer Kevin Jones provided the following updates.
Systems house Group
Apologies from Mark Galda, System house chair who was unable to attend the event. Mark had approved the minutes and these were seconded by Paul Kennington. The next meeting is not until 6/2/2024, but there will be an urgent joint meeting called between System House, Aluminium and Fenestration Technical and Hardware Group as soon as we see the Doc L consultation
Current themes are:
• Supporting the Doc L and Q working groups and supporting the Doc L and Q consultations
• Provision of guidance to fabricator base to encourage large numbers to respond
Future themes are:
• Supporting GGF training with detail for the Fenestration Fabrication Pathways
• Ongoing development of GGF Data sheets
Aluminium Group
The previous minutes were proposed by Jon Palethorpe and Seconded by Paul Booth
Current work items:
• Nearing completion of the aluminium visual quality guide
• Supporting the Doc L and Q working groups and supporting the Doc L and Q consultations
• Provision of guidance to fabricator base to encourage large numbers to respond
Future work items:
• Start work soon on a datasheets for maintenance and operation specific to aluminium products
• Supporting GGF training with detail for the Fenestration Fabrication Pathways
• Supporting Doc L and Q steering group with detail specific to aluminium
Fen Tech and Hardware Group
Apologies sent from Paul Kelley and Grant Stratford Group Chairs but last meetings minutes approved by Ray Rabett and Adrian Crutchley
next meeting is not until 6/2/2024, but there will be an urgent joint meeting called between System House, Aluminium and Fenestration Technical and Hardware Group
Current work items:
• Industry Guidance on Foil Damage due to Sealed Unit Edge tape leeching. Was pointed out that research has been done and Kevin Jones to follow up with member regarding this issue and report back to the group
• BIM product templates being worked on, first set is complete
• Date sheet library updates for window and door installation and U Value / Energy Rating Datasheets identified as priority
Future work items
• Next set of BIM product Data templates to include vertical sliders window hardware
• Guidance to be created in use of FLIR cameras that are being used to evidence cold spots and draughts.
GGF Marketing Update from Thomas Butler
An exciting member benefit for 2024 will be the new GGF and FENSA job board, in which members will be able to advertise open positions within their company, as well as individuals are able to create a profile to match them to a particular job.
Every year, myglazing.com has PR campaign which this year is “Streets of The Future” and will be a helpful guide on how to make homes more energy efficient.
The new GGF Calendar has allowed for online booking to a range of events and is being improved to link all the GGF Meetings and important industry events dates for 2024.
It has been a busy year in GGF marketing as they represent not just the GGF but all Group Companies. This year there has been a refresh for the Website including a new Technical and Health and Safety Hub. The GGF Forum is still in its infancy, but we hope it becomes an integral part of how the GGF shares news to its members.
Joint Competency Initiative from John Mannell
Due to the increased interest in the JCI it was requested John Mannell provided an update in regards to the JCI. It gave an insight into why the JCI was formed along with the founding Tier 1s and Associations that help make up the “Association of Associations.”
There is an underlying issue with some of the Building Industry that needs fixing, as the construction sector hasn’t been able to do that for itself, HM Government has been forced to step in. As part of this straightening out process, we have been told that we must become competent.
The definition of competence is found in the Building Safety Act and is in simple terms the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours required by and individual or organisation to perform its duties.
Although there are three PAS (Flex 8670, 8671 and 8672) that give us an empty framework to populate with suitable competencies, the Regulator has told us that a relevant authority (which is simply a lead trade body), must set reasonable and appropriate standards and this is why the JCI and its White Paper were formed. For links to these documents, relevant websites and the presentation click on the links below:
The JCI White Paper
CPA Working Group 12 White Paper
BSI Flex PAS 8670 – Core criteria for building safety in competence frameworks.
PAS 8671 – Competence for Principal Designers
PAS 8672 – Competence for Principal Contractors
PAS 8673 – Competence for Building Safety Managers
Discussion Panel on Mental Health with Mates in Mind
Our host of the panel was Greg O Donoghue long standing GGF member and former GGF President and first Chairman of FENSA. Greg provided an insight into his involvement with Charities and Organisations around the subject of Mental Health and introduced the panel:
- John Mannell, GGF Technical Officer and Training Manager
- Recheal Valderama, Mates In Mind Development Manager
- Martin Sadler, GQA External Quality Assurance and Technical Officer
Sarah Cresswell, GGF Group Strategy Manager
Recheal provided the audience with a little background to Mates in Mind, and shared a video with us, which you can view by clicking here. Please bare in mind the video contains talk of suicide and the content may be distressing for some.
Following the video the topic of mental health and mental fitness was discussed and some of the ways that you can help your employees and yourselves. GQA are working on a mandatory component of Mental Health Awareness to be included in every single Health and Safety Qualification and the reasons for this can be seen in some of the statistics below.
- 1 in 6 employees will experience some form of poor mental health each week
- 57% of all work absence can be attributed to stress, anxiety or depression (HSE stats)
- Construction and related workers are 3.7 times more likely than the average population to take their own life
- Suicide is the number 1 killer of men under the age of 45
In 2021 507 construction related workers took their own life – average in the UK of 2 per working day
For a copy of the slides presented please click the link below.
Mental Health Panel Discussion.
John Mannell would like to thank not just Greg for chairing, but all of the panellists and attendees that were supportive during the discussions.
If you would like to find out more about Mates in Mind either visit their website or email on the contact listed below.
Website: https://www.matesinmind.org/
Email: Recheal.Valderama@Matesinmind.org
Building a Network for Flat Glass Recycling from Alistair Frost of Eckersley O'Callaghan
The GGF were very proud to welcome Alistair Frost from Eckersley O’Callaghan (EOC) to discuss Building a Network for Glass Recovery and Recycling. EOC are a global engineering practice passionate about designing great buildings and enabling a sustainable built environment. As part of this passion for more sustainable construction Alistair presented the reserach project that is being understaken and the need to link together key parties in the industry in order to promote recycling of post consumer glass. There are 11 EOC offices accross the globe and currently 32 countries with ongoing projects.
Despite being one of the more renowned engineers specialising in glass it does help put into context the scale of glass made and designed in the UK and why we need to ensure that glass is recycled to the highest quality possible. At present, glass is produced and installed in buildings. Then, time passes – could be 25 years or more. At which point, glass units may start to fail or there is a drive to re-clad and update the façade. Unfortunately there is a natural disconnect between the start of life and end of life of architectural glazing. Demolition contractors in the commercial sector don’t have the links back to the original producers and as glass is not seen as a valuable material, mostly goes to landfill.
The EOC research project requires input from as many parties involved in glazing and recycling industries in the UK – includes producers, installers, re-processors demolition firms. For those that have not already done so please fill out the initial question by scanning or clicking on the QR Code below.
EOC want to help develop momentum for flat glass recycling in the UK and hope the website which we develop will help start creating links between different parts of the industry.
David Adam's from the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group Presents the Energy Stamp Duty Incentive
David Adams provided a brief insight into the proposal of an Energy Stamp Duty Incentive and gave some live demonstrations of how it could be applied, to various properties of both type and energy efficiency.
The Government has re-set the agenda to build the economy and deliver for all, whilst balancing the books and committing to “invest, innovate and create” to allow businesses to deliver.
There is also broad consensus on:
- the requirement for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- the stark realities of addressing energy security and cost of living, especially for those on lower incomes.
Whilst there has been significant focus on increased domestic generation as a means of improving security of supply, that does little for the cost-of-living challenge and can’t be delivered quickly.
The net zero homes challenge is both significant and complex and a market approach can deliver it with the utmost efficiency.
HOW WOULD THE ENERGY SAVING STAMP DUTY INCENTIVE WORK?
First, the energy demand of the home is calculated from the independently produced Energy Performance Certificate (already a requirement of a house sale).
The Stamp Duty to be paid is then adjusted up or down based on the home’s calculated energy demand – the better the energy performance, the lower the tax paid.
Low energy improvements made within 2 years or purchase, validated by an updated EPC, trigger a rebate to be paid – as if the home had been improved before purchase.
For lower value homes, Government could enhance the rebate to subsidise cost of measures.
Any recognised improvement in a home’s energy efficiency (fabric, heating, services) would reduce the Stamp Duty paid.
For more information click here for a summary PDF or here for their website
Panel Discussion on the Future of Approved Document L and Q
To end the first day of the GGF Winter Conference there was a panel discusion that was chaired by Chris Beedel , GGF Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations and the Members panel were made from:
- Paul Kennington, Technical Director Veka
- Ray Rabett, Technical & Compliance Director Masterframe
Jon Palethorpe, Joint Managing Director A+ Aluminium
There was a discussion around the impact of type testing. The additional weight of triple glazing could have a huge impact on repeated opening and closing of windows and resistance to windload tests.
Discussion around specialist products and the additional challenges that they have to meet lower U-Values of which Vertical Sliders falls into this category. Current building stock and window type in the UK is very different to the continent and in order to maintain this there could be limits on what is achieved.
Group Matters - Kevin Jones
Senior Technical Officer Kevin Jones provided an brief summary and an update of the the following groups:
Window Door and Conservatory Group
Apologies was provided from Phil Coult who was unable to attend the Winter Conference but minutes were proposed and seconded by Gareth Jones and Dean Bradley. The next meeting for the group is face to face on 31st January at Solihull Moors.
Current work items:
- Guidance to a range of areas in New Build and Replacement sectors with a focus on Doc L and Q.
Working on an updated GGF Installation Guide
Future work items:
- To update the existing Conservatory Guide
- Providing input for BSI B538
Support work on Data Sheet 2.2 and 2.3 for U-Value and WER calculations
Heritage Window
Unfortunately neither chair or vice chair were able to attend the meeting but was noted that Alex Gray wants to see this event continue going forward as believes its a more effective way for members to receive the information required. Prior to attending the meeting Minutes were signed off and the next meeting is 6th December.
Current work items:
- To provide a guidance document for homeowners and specifiers of the products available for all types of heritage buildings from Conservation Areas to Grade I listed buildings with help of case studies from members
·To ensure planners, specifiers, architects, conservation officers and homeowners are fully aware of construction product regulations.
Future work items:
- Use of compliant products to provide energy efficiency within heritage properties
- Build ties with relevant other groups such as Heritage England, Steel Window Association, CAB and British Woodworking Federation
Work with Primary Authority Partnership to educate trading standards
Consumer Management Group
Apologies from group Secretary Petra Akinsiku was provided and minutes were approved as part of the window, door and conservatory group.
As of 2024 this will be a stand alone group and to date are still looking for appointment of new chair. The next meeting date is 11/1/2024 and some of the current statistics, main issues and areas for improvement were shared with those in attendance.
Current work items:
- TGAS Guidance for consumers
- Conciliation Advisory Booklet for members
TGAS Guidance for members
GGF Training and Skilled Pathways
In recent weeks John Mannell from the Technical Department has been appointed as Training Manager for the GGF. John is currently involved in handing over management of the Consultancy Department to his colleague David Palmer. On it’s completion he will be pressing forward with the his plans for the development of our Training Department with key meetings arranged to ensure 2024 sees a shift in direction for training.
GGF Skilled Pathways will remain the federations flagship offering in training but with the changes in competence demand from the Building Safety Act and its regime under the Building Safety Regulator required a steer from the technical team.
There are many goals planned but John has shown a passion in training for many years even prior to him working at the GGF and a fundamental goal is ensuring there are multiple avenues for individuals and companies to meet competence demands and agree industry recognised Competency Frameworks.
An update was provided on current Skilled Pathway offerings and the online learning platform and the intention to deliver monthly CPD’s in 2024 and John would like to recieve any requests for particular topics going forward.
FENSA Compliance Panel Discussion
A panel discussion hosted by Gareth Jones Managing Director of Solar Fabrications including the following panellists:
- Katie Thornton – The Window Company Director of Compliance and Administration
- Dave Meecham – RISA Director of Inspection and Assessment
Sam Davies – FENSA Technical Manager
There was an update on issues with ventilation and the change in rates of failure. The new FENSA Guide has been published to further reach FENSA installers. That said there is still a lot of installers not meeting the requirements in Approved Document F. This can require a second inspection and retrofitting of vents which comes with its own difficulties.
Heritage Properties can be exempt but in example of conservation areas FENSA would expect to see an Article 4 document in place to support the lack of ventilation in comparison to current Building Regulations.
Despite the expressed reduction in window replacement volume, it was noted that Trickle Vent sales have increased and also the percentage of 4000EA and 5000EA vents which shows an improved level of conformance in the sector.
Failures in Document L still remain high due to lack of labelling and paper work. This is due to the difficulty for Inspectors being able to check that performance meets current regulations. Doc L accounts for approximately 40% of all failures. In terms of evidence it can be as simple to provide the following up to date information:
– U-Value Calculation or WER
– Order confirmation to match the information above
Even in situations where the information supplied shows non-compliance this can help find the most cost effective way to ensure the installation can be made compliant (eg. change glass), and in rare cases this may require a full replacement.
Katie Thornton spoke of an organised process from start to finish of a job where paper work and evidence is completed at the beginning of a project and installations checked against their installer guide based on BS 8213 as a result of staff being put through relevant training such as NVQ’s.
GGF Government Advocacy Update
Chris Beedel gave and update on the current political landscape and how this will have an impact on the focus of Government and how the GGF plan to inform Government going forward. And how a number of reasons such as the cost of living crisis, the economic landscape and net-zero has significantly changed the landscape in the last 18 months.
Due to these changes the GGF have begun a new PR campaign to raise awareness to MP’s, Stake holders and homeowners. The push on fabric first approach and inclusion of glazing within this approach has been supported by the Window of Opportunity Document and the ADL Working Group. He also mentioned the importance of providing Government with up-to-date statistics and those in relation to burglaries offer a real insight into where these come from and that they are more opportunistic than you would expect with far less breakage through glass than the potential requirements of ADQ would expect.
A meeting was held at 10 Downing Street on 19th September with Prime Minister’s special advisor and shows the importance of GGF Members being engaged in the efforts in promoting our sector as this meeting was aided by the help of a Member company.
RdSAP and EPC’s were looked at with the case study of Birmingham but windows and glazing appear at relatively low down in EPC calculations. And this shows an opportunity to offer training for EPC assessors all accross the UK to more accurately represent what new windows and doors can do to improve the thermal performance of the building envelope.
Lastly, Chris ended on the need to showcase the industry and what it can do and make sure we work together to improve the industry.
Pulse Air Pressure Test Demonstration from Dave Machem
Dave Meecham of RISA provided a live demonstration of how the air pressure test works and explained the benefits of this test in some cases of the replacement window market.
The updated Building Regulations came into effect on 15th June 2022. Those changes meant that the addition of trickle vents to replacement windows and doors are required in the majority of cases.
However, if you are not making the air infiltration any worse, i.e. more air tight, then you don’t need those extra vents. This must be proven though in order for the installation to comply with Building Regulations.
Pulse testing provides proof that your property has not been made more air tight by the installation of replacement windows or doors. A test is completed before the removal of the existing windows and after the installation has been completed.
Trickle Vents will still be installed in a lot of windows and doors, this simply provides homeowners with an possible alternative.
Our tests have found that where windows are replaced like for like, i.e. PVCu for PVCu, the thermal efficiency is much improved. However the air tightness often remains the same, technology has not needed to improve in the same way as thermal performance. When this is evidenced extra background ventilation is not required.
Costs for the service is listed below:
- Non Affiliated (homeowner or member of other CPS) – £405+VAT
- FENSA Member – £345+VAT
GGF Member – £295+VAT
For a copy of the slides presented please click here…
Or visit the website here.
Technical Update from Kevin Jones
Senior Technical Officer Kevin Jones delivered an abridged version of the quarter four technical report of which the following topics are below:
- Building Regulations and Future Home Standards specifically in relation to ADL and ADQ
- Confirmity Marking
- Building Safety Act and Building Safety Regulator
- BSI B/520 Glass in Building Updates
- Joint Competency Initiative
- CPA Construction Industry Forecasts
- Consultancy Updates
- GGF Fenestration Group Updates
- System House Groups
- Fentech and Hardware Group
- Glaze Tech Group – relaunched
- Aluminum Group
- Heritage Window Group
- Fire Resistant Glazing Group
- Architectural and Engineered Glass Group
Decorative Glass and Glass Structures Group
Secondary Glazing - Discover the Benefits from Gary Wood
Gary Wood of Grenada Secondary Glazing offered a presentation on various types of windows and the various benefits of secondary glazing.
- Thermal and Accoustic
- Discreet
- Cost Effective
Security and Safety
Whilst there was brief history of the company it discussed the modernisation and the range of products available with approximately 35,000 products made each year.
For a copy of the slides presented please click here…
If you would like to contact Gary please use the email below
gary.wood@granadaglazing.com
Discussion on Post Consumer Recycling and Timber Recycling Regulations
The last discussion point went back to one of the first comments from John Agnew at the start of the conference and it is the GGF’s intention to strengthen its member support in helping achieve Net Zero and reduce the environmental impacts of our industry. The discussion of Waste and Recycling was held between Chris Beedel and Ian Ward of CNC Recycling. The presentation was focused on the current offerings of UPVC, Aluminum and the newest addition in post consumer glass.
To put some context into potential volumes of post consumer products 2023 FENSA data shows the following
2,103 = installations per day
7,570 = windows
1,703 = doors
Hourly volumes
946 = windows
212 = doors
There are many reasons why we do not currently recycle post consumer cullet but in order to reduce carbon emissions this must stop. In order to help ensure glass cullet goes back into float glass production please click the above QR code from day 1’s Eckersly O’Callaghan presentation if you haven’t already.
Thank you to Chris and Ian for being part of the discussion and if you want to contact Ian please click here…
For a copy of the slides presented please click here…
Day 2 Closing Remarks from Kevin Jones
Following the completion of the two day Winter Conference Kevin Jones thanked all the panelists, chairs, and attendees for attending. There was some fantastic panel discussions and presentations and would love to see the event happen next year (ideally organised by someone else). Kevin reminded everyone that we will be sending out a brief summary of the days events and would request feedback which is seen below
Some additional literature for those that could not attend can be found below.
Complete the Survey
Thank you to everyone that could make the event. In order to ensure these events improve we need feedback from all those that could attend. We would love to see this become a regular feature in the GGF Calendar.
Please could you complete the short anonymous survey by clicking on the tab below.
