Green report no surprise – GGF
28th February 2017

The Glass and Glazing Federation says it is not surprised at the UK Green Building Council’s report to Parliament showing that 27 million homes need to be insulated by 2050 before the Government can achieve its carbon emissions targets.

Brian Baker, GGF Interim Chief Executive said: “We support this report from UK GBC and hope that Parliament takes heed. Since 2010, The GGF has met regularly with Government departments outlining the need to make homes more energy efficient. Not only has the GGF invested resource but the Glass and Glazing Industry has invested tens of millions of pounds over the last 15 years to make windows and doors more energy efficient. This latest report supports everything our industry has been telling the Government for the last decade.”

Since the start of 2017, the GGF has set up a Political Strategy Group and a specific working party for the “Each Home Counts” scheme which was unveiled following the Bonfield Review. The GGF also plans to attend every “Each Home Counts” work stream to gain more detail on the scheme and to ensure the glazing industry has an input to its implementation.

In addition, the GGF has recently commissioned a homeowners’ survey (due for publication in March) with several questions on energy efficiency and how homeowners view its importance when making home improvements.

The GGF is also re-visiting its long running “Cut the Vat” campaign which called on the Government to reduce the rate of VAT from 20% to 5% on; the installation of all energy saving home improvement measures and for energy efficient windows and doors to be included in the 5% VAT rating for energy saving products.

Brian Baker added, “With up to 23% of heat energy escaping from inefficient glazing, it’s clear that modern energy efficient glazing is required to properly insulate homes as part of a whole house approach. We’ve not yet seen the full detail of the “Each Home Counts” scheme but if ever there was an opportunity for the Government to show real intent on tackling the energy efficiency issue, then now is the time.”