Glassi

August 20, 2021

Glazing – A Route to Zero Carbon

Glazing – A Route to Zero Carbon

Following a proposal by the GGF Political Strategy Committee, the GGF commissioned GK Strategy (political advisers and researchers) to produce a research report, titled “Glazing – a Route to Net Zero”, which will show the impact of glazing in relation to the government’s zero-carbon targets.

This unique research project will include views and stats from all parts of the glass, glazing and fenestration industries against data on zero carbon. 

Ahead of their GK Strategy’s presentation on Members Day, GLASSi interviewed the team who will present the progress of this research report. In this interview, the GK Team, Scott Dodsworth, Joe Cormack and Jamie Cater share some of the background so far as well as some pointers on how the project will develop in the coming months. 


What can Members expect from your presentation?

Scott Dodsworth: Attendees will learn about the GGF’s new priority campaign – to make the compelling case to national policymakers and members of the public about the essential contribution of modern glass, glazing and fenestration materials in achieving the Government’s net-zero carbon targets.

We kick-started the new report titled: Glazing – a Route to Net Zero, and we look forward to sharing with audiences our methodology, new data sources, affiliated stakeholders and the GGF’s recommendations to the government.

What is the broad objective of the report?

The report comprises of not one but three main objectives.: Firstly, to demonstrate how upgrades in glazing (and related products) can improve domestic energy efficiency. Secondly, to establish a clear connection between an expansion of glazing services and products and the Government’s commitments for the UK to become carbon net-zero by 2050. Thirdly, to define the asks and recommendations that will form the core of the GGF’s longer-term campaign for policy change, which aims to incentivise an increase in the installation of energy-efficient glazing products.

How challenging is it to get accurate information on the impact of glazing on net-zero carbon?

Jamie Cater: We are bringing together the UK and international case studies and sources to build an accurate picture of the glazing and energy efficiency landscape. There is good existing data regarding the average energy use within homes and when combined with the specification of modern glass, glazing and fenestration products, we can develop approximate data for the estimated energy savings accrued if good quality glazing products were to be installed universally across the UK.

This is an incredibly important message to articulate, as Government Ministers are still identifying that approximately 85% of the housing stock is double glazed. This incorrectly assumes that there are not substantial improvements that can be made to the housing stock in relation to energy efficient glazing.

How is the report structured?

Joe Cormack: Subject to finalisation with the GGF, it is envisaged that a parliamentarian with a role or strong interest in the energy efficiency policy environment will endorse our findings and provide a foreword. This will be accompanied by an overview of the Government’s policy initiatives to meet carbon net-zero and where existing and new buildings fit in with this.

The core of the report will then focus on making the case for how improved glazing supports the decarbonisation agenda, identifying barriers for the adoption of these new materials, and what the Government and the sector need to do to make this a reality.

How will the GGF and subsequently members benefit from the Report?

This report and the subsequent campaign will demonstrate that the GGF is leading the conversation on this hugely important issue for the government, GGF members and all those who are committed to reducing carbon emissions.

Members will benefit from a more holistic view from the government on improving energy efficiency in buildings. This could manifest itself via more support to develop the glazing workforce and to attract more people into the industry, as well as an overall increase in consumer demand for modern glazing installation (supported by government incentives). This is a flavour of the type of recommendations that will be included in the report and will form the basis of the ongoing campaign.

When can we expect the Report to be launched?

Scott Dodsworth: Members’ Day will provide the opportunity to share examples of the data collected and the structure and objectives of the report. Subject to revisions, final endorsements and approval, we hope to have the report ready by early October. An event to formally launch the report and the campaign will be scheduled for November/December.

Following the launch of the Report what are the next steps?

Joe Cormack: The GGF is aiming to promote the report’s findings and recommendations in 2021/22 with Ministers and officials within relevant government departments such as the Cabinet Office, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the COP26 leadership and a selection of net-zero champions.

There are also plans to launch the report at an event, bringing together national and trade media, relevant government departments, industry representatives and parliamentarians with a specific interest in the environment and construction policy agenda. A set-piece launch will drive independent publicity and awareness via social media and follow-up engagement.


To hear the GK Strategy presentation on “Glazing – a Route to Net Zero” at Members’ Day – Book your free place via the online booking form click here to access

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