CHRIS BEEDEL, HEAD OF ADVOCACY & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS AT THE GGF TALKS ABOUT THE ENERGY COMPANY OBLIGATION (ECO+) SCHEME AND THE HEAT AND BUILDINGS STRATEGY

Chris Beedel, Head of Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations at the GGF is interviewed by Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion.

The question? Where does the window and door industry sit in the government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO+) Scheme and the Heat and Buildings Strategy as they desperately steer us towards Net Zero? The answer? At the bottom of the pile, literally. I found a paragraph in the 230 odd page document that stated: “Windows and doors:

Both double and triple glazing can decrease energy loss and save money on bills. There can be other benefits too, such as soundproofing and reducing condensation.” Yes, It was the last entry when it came down to listing the various insulation methods for buildings.

The catch-all statement that introduces this strategy document says: “The heat and buildings strategy sets out the government’s plan to significantly cut carbon emissions from the UK’s 30 million homes and workplaces in a simple, low-cost and green way whilst ensuring this remains affordable and fair for households across the country. Like the transition to electric vehicles, this will be a gradual transition which will start by incentivizing consumers and driving down costs.

There are about 30 million buildings in the UK. Heating these buildings contributes to almost a quarter of all UK emissions. Addressing the carbon emissions produced in heating and powering our homes, workplaces and public buildings can not only save money on energy bills and improve lives, but can support up to 240,000 skilled green jobs by 2035, boosting the economic recovery, levelling up across the country and ensuring we build back better.”

The GGF, on behalf of our industry has jumped on this document and commissioned an extensive piece of research which they are presenting to the government as it is clear that they have absolutely no grasp of the importance of glazing when it comes to saving heat and energy, generally. They also seem to think the proportion of double glazed properties, at around 86%, is a success, whereas the huge proportion of these windows need replacing to achieve current building regulations yet alone those coming in 2025. Chris Beedel talks about the issues, produces a series of fascinating statistics, and is a must ‘listen to’ for those of us in the fenestration industry.