Chief Executive’s message for 2011

Chief Executive’s message for 2011

Following the successful tour of Pilkington’s UK5 float line by Dave Watts MP (St Helens North) towards the end of last year, the GGF is once again teaming up with the glass manufacturer to use a tour of the facility to engage with MPs and explain the benefits of glass and glazing to them.
   
Phil Brown, Pilkington’s regulatory marketing manager explained to Dave Watts that the inclusion of energy efficient windows as a home energy saving measure in the government’s Green Deal was vital to improving the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. It would also provide a much-needed boost to industry by supporting the growth of products such as Pilkington K Glass, used in the company’s energy efficient glazing energiKare.

Recognising the importance of growth in this area, Dave Watts agreed to lend support to Pilkington and the GGF in their campaign to ensure that Energy Efficient Windows are included in the Green Deal. Building on this success, GGF and Pilkington have invited four other members of Parliament to visit the site to learn about the benefits of energy efficient glass in buildings.

During January and February 2011, Nigel Mills MP (Amber Valley), Shabana Mahmood MP (Birmingham, Ladywood), Greg McClymonth MP (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East) and Angela Smith MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge) will visit Pilkington’s UK5 line in St Helens. It’s important that the benefits of Energy Efficient Windows, and the role they have to play in improving energy efficiency in UK homes, is understood by MPs, which is why we are meeting with them to explain why they should be included in the Green Deal.

We have already had some considerable success – Dave Watts has written to the ministers responsible for the Green Deal to highlight our cause. We have also congratulated our own MP – Simon Hughes – for his appointment to role of advocate for access to higher education. He has been so supportive in the past, having been duly recognised by the coalition government.

Nigel Rees, Chief Executive, GGF