GGF SAVES ENERGY FOR GOVERNMENT ADVICE

The GGF continues to prove its influence at a government level by recently reporting to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

GGF Chief Executive Nigel Rees presented a document outlining the importance of glass and windows on improving the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock, as well as new-build properties. The CCC is an independent body established under the Climate Change Act to advise the UK government on setting carbon budgets, and to report to parliament on the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Nigel summarised the following points:

1. The average single glazed house would save £136 a year if fitted with double glazing – this would rise to £201 if the house is heated electrically.
2. The carbon footprint of the same house would be reduced by 19%.
3. If all existing houses had energy efficient windows fitted, £2.4bn and 4million tonnes of carbon would be saved a year.
4. Energy efficient windows would save 10% of the emissions from dwellings nationally and would reduce national domestic energy expenditure by 10%.

Nigel also explained to the committee that despite these encouraging figures, windows are not being replaced at the same rate as, say, five years ago. “In the current climate, home owners will need some sort of fiscal incentive to make them decide to improve the energy efficiency of their property,” Nigel said. “The GGF has for many years lobbied for the rate of VAT on the installation of energy efficient windows, to be reduced to 5% to match that offered for the installation of other energy saving methods. 

“We have also recently launched a petition on the No. 10 website to seek the introduction of a Window Scrappage Scheme along the lines of the scrappage scheme introduced for the motor industry.  This would incentivise and assist homeowners to make the decision now to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.  Without such schemes, we are gravely concerned that priceless energy will continue to be wasted through inefficient glazing.”

Reporting on the success of the presentation, Nigel said that the Chief Executive of the CCC, David Kennedy, was sympathetic to the fact that every property should have an audit (EPC) to ascertain the ‘start point’ to understand what needed to be done to improve the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock.  They also agreed that there was a need for a target figure to be achieved each year, regarding improving energy efficiency.

The CCC was also very keen to have regular meetings and briefings from the industry, via the GGF to ensure they had the facts in front of them before decisions were made.

“I am extremely pleased that the GGF is being heard by such an influential committee,” Nigel said. “I just hope that this results in measures that help our Members’ businesses, and the wider glass and glazing industry.”