As England moves towards net-zero targets, new government regulations mean new buildings will have to produce significantly less carbon from June 2022.
Under the new regulations, CO2 emissions from new-build homes must be around 30% lower, and offices and shops 27% less than current standards.
One way to help achieve this is the windows and doors (with a glazed area of more than 60%) will need to achieve a minimum U-value of 1.2W/m²K.
U-value is the measurement of the insulating capacity of the glass, it represents how quickly heat (not direct sunlight) will pass through it. Glass with low U-value is generally used to keep the warmth in the room, in cold climates, or at night. The lower the U-value the better the insulation.
“Climate change is the greatest threat we face and we must act to protect our precious planet for future generations. The government is doing everything it can to deliver net-zero, and slashing CO2 emissions from homes and buildings is vital to achieving this commitment."
Eddie Hughes, Housing Minister
England is showing its commitment to net-zero, with almost half (46%) of the homes already being rated C or above for energy efficiency, compared to 14% in 2010.
Improving the energy efficiency of the buildings where we live and work is an important step towards a cleaner, greener built environment. Protecting the specialist glass throughout the construction process will be essential for honouring completion dates and reducing the carbon footprint on-site. For more information speak to our protection specialists.