Future homes consultation

More than 35 GGF member companies met with the GGF technical team to discuss the impact of the government Future Homes Consultation proposals, and to finalise the GGF’s response to the consultation.

The meeting was chaired by technical officer David Borland.

Approved Document L (energy efficiency) was addressed, and to achieve the government’s zero carbon targets for new homes by 2050 the following options were discussed: option one, immediate introduction of triple glazing as compulsory for new build; and option two, the move towards improved U-values through improved products by 2025.

The group unanimously preferred option two based on the following grounds: compulsory triple glazing with immediate effect would be too difficult to achieve as the industry is not ready (in terms of manufacture, supply and installation), although it should remain a goal for the long term; and improving properties’ U-values would be the easier and more gradual process, which would allow the industry to use improved and upgraded components.

Approved Document F (ventilation) was also addressed, and it was agreed that achieving the background ventilation requirements as per the proposal through the use of trickle vents would be difficult in the current systems with the trickles vents available.

The group asked that the GGF explore this area further in its response to the consultation to gain greater clarification on the ventilation requirements as proposed in the consultation.

The general consensus at the meeting was the GGF supported the government’s agenda, plans and commitment to zero carbon by 2050 but will strongly recommend that the glass and glazing industry will need at least five years to get prepared. It was unanimously agreed that the industry at present is not in position to achieve the targets proposed.