Around half of all Fensa installers have come out in support of tighter regulations on window and door energy ratings – but almost the same number did not even know they were given a say, according to a survey run by the organisation.

An overwhelming majority (92%) in the same survey came out against a move to make trickle vents mandatory in all windows, while even more (97%) believed homeowners would object to such a move. Even more strikingly, four fifths of those asked said it would probably or definitely lose them business.

The survey was in response to the Housing Ministry’s invitation for views on the proposed changed to Part L (energy efficiency) and Part F (ventilation) of Building Regulations.

The revised Building Regulations, being referred to as The Future Homes Standard, are being presented by the Government as plans to ‘radically improve the energy performance of new homes, with all homes to be highly energy efficient, with low carbon heating and be zero carbon ready by 2025.’ In its statement the Government added that new homes will be expected to produce 31% lower emissions from 2021, whilst existing homes will also be subject to higher standards, with a focus on extensions and the replacement of windows as well as other services. For replacement windows this means a reduction in the U Values from a minimum of 1.6 W/m2K to 1.4 W/m2K.

Fensa Managing Director Anda Gregory said: “Overall the proposed improvements in the performance of windows and doors in the Building Regulations are good news for Fensa Approved Installers, as homeowners seek to improve the performance of their homes. But it is important that installers make their feelings known, especially on subjects such as trickle vents, both through Fensa and direct to the Government, to ensure that the views of those in the front line are fully known and appreciated. It is emphatically clear from the survey that installers continue to be against the mandatory fitting of trickle vents and we hope that the government takes these responses into consideration in the consultation process,” she added.

With the consultation ending on 13th April Fensa is asking Approved Installers to make their feelings known as quickly as possible by returning the survey, or by responding direct to the Government by emailing their views: 

FutureBuildingsStandardConsultation@communities.gov.uk
www.fensa.org.uk

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