Future proofing the industry
Gary Shoesmith, Edgetech’s head of technical, argues that retrofitting existing buildings is essential for reducing carbon emissions and highlights the importance of high-quality components in this process.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, the built environment has come under increasing scrutiny.
Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making them a critical focus area for sustainability efforts.
In the UK alone, estimates suggest that the built environment is responsible for 25-40% of total carbon emissions. With this in mind, retrofitting existing buildings has emerged as a crucial strategy for improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of our building stock.
Whilst the latest Building Regulation updates will drive new construction projects to incorporate the latest energy-efficient technologies and materials from the outset, the vast majority of buildings that will exist in 2050, the UK’s Net Zero deadline, will have already been built.
In fact, it’s estimated that around 80% of the buildings we’ll be using in 30 years’ time are already standing today. This means, that to achieve meaningful reductions in carbon emissions from the built environment, we must focus on improving the performance of our existing building stock.
Retrofitting offers numerous benefits beyond just reducing carbon emissions. It can lead to significant energy cost savings for building owners and occupants, improve indoor comfort and air quality, and extend the lifespan of buildings.
Additionally, large-scale retrofitting initiatives can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the construction and related industries.
The scale of the challenge
However, the scale of the retrofitting challenge is immense.
In the UK alone, it’s estimated that around 29 million homes need to be retrofitted to meet the country’s carbon reduction targets. This is a monumental task that requires coordinated effort from government, industry, and homeowners.
One of the key areas for improvement in many existing buildings is the thermal performance of windows and glazing systems – and this is where the importance of high-quality components, such as spacer bars, comes into play.
While factors like glass type and frame material are often given priority, the role of spacer bars should not be underestimated. Using high-quality warm edge spacers like Super Spacer can make a significant difference in the overall thermal performance of retrofitted windows.
What’s more, manufacturers and fabricators who are ahead of the curve in adopting these technologies will be well-positioned to meet future demands and regulations. It’s also worth noting that the benefits of using high-quality spacer bars extend beyond just thermal performance.
Products like Super Spacer can also contribute to improved acoustic performance, helping to reduce noise transmission through windows – an important consideration in urban retrofitting projects.
Future proofing the industry
As we look to the future, the importance of retrofitting in achieving our sustainability goals cannot be overstated.
The task ahead is significant, but with the right approach and the right components, we can make substantial progress in reducing the carbon footprint of our built environment.
The importance of products like Super Spacer in achieving our sustainability goals will only continue to grow.
For insulated glass unit manufacturers and window fabricators, embracing these advanced technologies is not just about meeting current standards – it’s about future-proofing their products and businesses.
By recognising the importance of every component, including spacer bars, they can ensure they’re delivering the best possible solutions for retrofitting projects, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
