High-quality fenestration critical for social housing energy efficiency targets

October 9, 2024

The drive to meet new energy efficiency targets in England’s social housing sector has placed a spotlight on the specification of energy-efficient windows and doors. Following the government’s recent announcement that all social homes must achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C by 2030, industry leaders are emphasizing the critical role fenestration will play in meeting these ambitious goals.

At Labour’s recent conference, Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, outlined plans to decarbonise the social housing sector while reducing tenants’ energy bills. The proposal, currently under consultation, underscores the urgent need for improvements across a sector where 1.2 million homes currently hold EPC ratings of D or lower.

“Most public housing stock was constructed between 1945 and 1980, a time when modern thermal performance standards were not a consideration,” said Martin Hitchin, CEO of REHAU UK. “This poses significant challenges for councils and housing associations. However, upgrading windows and doors represents a key opportunity to boost thermal performance and support decarbonisation efforts.”

The importance of informed specification cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the tightening building regulations and performance metrics, such as Window Energy Ratings. Hitchin stresses that social housing decision-makers should look closely at fenestration options to ensure they are adopting the most efficient solutions for meeting the government’s new targets.

With increasing workloads and pressures, local authorities and housing associations are being urged to tap into expertise within the wider supply chain. Hitchin points out that the process of upgrading key components like windows and doors is highly technical and requires strict adherence to regulations. Partnering with industry experts can help bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring smoother project execution from design through to installation.

As the sector moves toward more stringent energy efficiency requirements, including those outlined by Miliband, housing providers will need to take a multi-faceted approach to achieve compliance while improving overall building performance and sustainability.

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