Future-proof fenestration

James Keeling-Heane, sales director from Senior Architectural Systems, discusses some of the ways aluminium windows can provide both a compliant and creative solution to Part L of the Building Regulations.

The planned changes to Part L will shake up the construction industry – after all, its specific aim is to challenge us all to think more carefully about the impact that the built environment has on the wider world.

However, for many fenestration systems manufacturers, planning for such a change has been years in the making and rather than the new legislation being seen as a minimum target, it has helped fuel innovation to provide solutions that not only meet but exceed current requirements.

As all buildings lose heat from windows and doors, thermal performance is one of the most important characteristics of any system and most on the market use a strong polyamide as an insulator to prevent heat loss between the inner and outer frame.

For our part, Senior wanted to push the boundaries even further with the creation of our patented Pure system that incorporates an even more effective thermal barrier made from expanded polyurethane foam; a material more commonly used in insulation products.

This gives our Pure aluminium window the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71 W/m²k, which far exceeds the current targets set out by Part L as well as the likely changes that lay ahead.

Adding value

There is a misconception that ultra efficient window systems are the most expensive option but in reality, they are often competitively priced and what’s more, offer additional cost savings.

An obvious benefit of specifying low U-value windows and doors is that by retaining more heat, less energy is needed to heat the building. This can make a huge difference to the operational costs of a building and can provide a much greater return on investment than options with a more expensive outlay price such underfloor heating or solar roof panels.

Aluminium systems can also be powder-coated in a variety of finishes to reduce maintenance and increase durability to make budgets stretch even further.

Behind the figures

Low U-value windows and doors may help your scheme achieve Part L compliance but how can you be sure that the most thermally-efficient systems on the market are actually the most sustainable?

This is where it is becoming increasingly important that manufacturers provide complete transparency on their manufacturing processes as any green credentials can be easily tarnished if significant waste and carbon has to be generated before the specified system even makes it to site.

By looking at the life cycle of a product, from its manufacture and transportation to its operation and disposal, you can get a much clearer picture of how sustainable a product really is and how its use will truly impact on the overall carbon footprint of a scheme.

A good benchmark is checking if a manufacturer holds an accreditation such as BRE Global’s BES 6001 standard for the responsible and sustainable sourcing of aluminium extrusions.

Similarly, systems that offer ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability can help further lessen the environmental impact of a project, reducing both its carbon footprint and the need for materials to be sent to landfill at the end of the building’s life.

Prepare for Part L

With the pending changes to Part L and the ever-increasing need to create more energy-efficient buildings, the specification of low U-value, cost-effective, fully recyclable thermally broken windows is fortunately no longer such a tall order. With technical advice, product guidance and support with thermal calculations an essential part of a manufacturer’s service offering, engaging early with your chosen fenestration systems supplier can help unlock the full potential of your next project.