The journey towards zero carbon is now underway, and where once, it appeared to be a very long time away in the future, it is now only 5 years away. Zero carbon for new builds will become mandatory in 2016 and many window manufacturers are working closely with building designers to assess their requirements now and to provide low U values for windows to meet or exceed current requirements.
To make zero carbon a reality in 2016 for all new homes, rapid changes within the window industry are taking place and there are likely to be some major moves away from current practice to meet these requirements.
Timber has always been an appealing building component, but its unique and natural carbon properties mean it will have a major role to play in achieving “zero carbon”, giving it a significant advantage over other materials.
In a “zero carbon” building, timber windows not only add to the carbon store effect but bring great benefits in terms of the thermal performance that can be achieved, both by using the latest triple glazing technology and advanced window design.
The fact is that the new code for sustainable homes level 6 developments would previously only have been associated with European window manufacturers, but now UK joinery has advanced significantly as manufacturers recognise the need to dramatically reduce energy loss and reduce the carbon footprint of new and existing UK housing stock.
