Triple Jump?

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Edgetech managing director Chris Alderson analyses the fast-approaching Future Homes Standard and what it could mean for British glass and glazing – and predicts a jump to triple glazing.

UK glazing has done a fantastic job of adapting to one of the most turbulent periods in living memory for the industry. It has overcome the chaos of the pandemic, a deepening skills shortage and the worst supply chain disruption in a generation.

However, now it faces another major challenge: the Future Homes Standard which comes into force in 2025 and will, potentially, have significant implications for every part of the glazing supply chain.

We need to act now

Currently, we don’t know exactly what it’s impact will be – only that it is likely to radically change the way the sector operates. UK glazing can meet these challenges – and I have every faith it will. For that to happen though, we need to be acting now.

Whilst we are unsure as to what the new regulations will stipulate exactly, it is extremely likely they will include strict new energy efficiency targets for new build. There has even been speculation that they could require U-values as low as 0.8 (bordering on Passivhaus standard).

Triple glazing

Even if the final requirements aren’t quite that stringent, it’s clear another leap forward in window energy performance will soon be required. In UK glazing, there is an emerging consensus that triple glazing provides the most practical route to achieve the progress necessary for greater energy efficiency.

Some manufacturers are understandably concerned – a significant investment in processes and machinery will be needed to make triple glazing the norm. However, a lack of investment in triple glazing carries a substantial risk for the industry.

Without the necessary investments to improve availability of triple glazing, architects and designers could be forced to adapt in other ways to meet tougher energy efficiency regulations. Without an efficient enough window offering, options such as designing structures with much smaller windows or far fewer windows overall, are already being evaluated as alternate routes for compliance.

Gloomier times ahead?

This would significantly cut demand for glass across the lucrative new build sector. The impact on the entire glass and glazing industry is clear.

It would also be detrimental for homeowners too. Numerous studies have shown the physical and psychological benefits of natural light. In this scenario, these benefits would be reduced and the built environment would become a gloomier, less inviting place to be.

Both for our sector and the benefit of society more generally, it is vital that UK glazing seizes the opportunity to make triple glazing a viable option now.

Picture: Chris Alderson.

www.edgetechig.co.uk

Article written by Chris Alderson, MD Edgetech
22nd November 2023

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