Heat, light and power

Remember when we were all wondering whether it was possible to achieve an ‘A’ Rating in what was then the newly-launched BFRC labelling scheme? Now, we are to have the A++ tag and it is very likely that some existing A+ windows may already qualify as soon as they go through the application process – but then, the BFRC has been forced to refute suggestions from some quarters that we will all be cooked in our homes if we put the new spec windows in! Read the story Here...

While there is mixed news on growth – or lack of it – in the construction industry, a survey by a home insurer reveals we want a little more light in our lives, as well as space. Read the story Here...

And we hear that a number of trade bodies are joining forces to form a powerful new lobbying group to speak up for the interests of the industry, a move that no one will deny can only be good for all concerned. Read the story Here...

That time of year is once again upon us, as the G 15 Awards web site goes live, and is now ready and waiting to accept entries into this year's scheme. The organisers are anticipating a bumper entry bag, if the comments around the industry and social media are to be believed.

Remember you have to be in it to win it. You can find the site at www.g-awards.com

Whether you are looking for hot news, enlightened reading or you simply believe that knowledge is power, we hope you will find a little of each in this week’s issue.

Chris Church Editor

Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com

This Week's News

A++ is here
...and no, it won’t cook your house, says BFRC

The BFRC has launched its ‘A++’ thermal efficiency window label applications process, along with the emphatic rebuttal that high rated windows will not cause a house to overheat …“contrary to some ill-informed comment within the industry.”
Fabricators and system houses now have four months to submit their applications and designs ready for the first licences to be issued from October 1. A full licence can be sought for any new window design, says the BFRC, but some ‘A+’ designs may already qualify, as it explains in its announcement:

“BFRC follows the 10 point band cut-offs illustrated in section 4.2 of Approved Document L1b.  The new ‘A++’ rating will be no different, with ratings starting at an energy index value equal to or greater than +20. This means any BFRC ‘A+’ rated product which achieves 20 or more can be upgraded to an A++.”

Read the Rest Here...

New lobbying group to speak up for the industry

A number of major Glass and Glazing trade bodies have joined together to form the Glazing Supply Chain Group, aimed at increasing the industry’s lobbying power on behalf of all the companies operating in the supply chain for glass and glazing.

The Group, with founder members British Glass, The Council for Aluminium in Building, European Window Film Association, Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association, Glass & Glazing Federation and the Steel Window Association, was formed to combine knowledge and expertise to create a collective and united voice on the key issues affecting the industry and the companies within the supply chain.

Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs said: “It’s extremely positive that we now have this joint Group to support key campaigns to try and influence and possibly change policy to help companies in the industry supply chain.”

Read the Rest Here...

Housing leads construction out of post election gloom

Home building is proving the brightest highlight in the construction industry, with non-residential and education still in the grip of the post-election hangover, according to industry analyst Glenigan.

The Residential Index rose by 9% last month, led mainly by private housing schemes with a 14% increase in value against May ’14, the fastest expansion for nearly a year, with social project starts also showing a modest increase.

Civil and non-residential work fell by 21%, largely held down by the education sector as universities continued to postpone schemes. However, the health sector saw a 20% increase on project starts, even excluding several major Private Finance initiative projects.

Read the Rest Here...

Training boost for UK Construction Week

UK Construction week has announced a series of training-orientated events, reflecting the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament last week, which included building 200,000 starter homes over the next five years, as well as creating three million new apprenticeships.

Recognising the growing significance of this issue over the coming years, UK Construction Week has placed a strong focus on training and development at the exhibition, with several skills-based sessions on the main seminar stage.  In addition, the Homebuilding and Site Zones at the Build Show, one of the nine events to make up UK Construction Week, will look at the relationship between apprenticeships and house building in more depth.

Read the Rest Here...

Homeowners want space and light, say builders

Home extensions are the most popular trend for home improvements, according to nearly half of those in the building industry, while many others put access to light at the top of the list, citing large bi-folds and added skylights as favourites, according to a survey by Direct Line Home Insurance.

Price is the main motivation for extending, says the company, with the prospect of adding more value than the cost of an extension such as a bedroom.

Katie Lomas, head of Direct Line Home Insurance, said: “Extending homes or converting rooms to add light and space can add real value to a property, so can be worth the investment. With the rising cost of house prices making it expensive to move, home improvements are a popular way to improve your living situation without breaking the bank.

Read the Rest Here...