The view from Veka
Paul Kennington, Veka’s technical director, explains how the systems company is delivering fabric efficiency for Net Zero future.
As the fenestration industry awaits the progression of the Future Homes Standard in England, as well as Scotland’s own standards consultation in summer 2025, Veka has been preparing a catalogue product for customers to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
The Future Homes Standard aims to make new homes in England ‘zero carbon-ready’ from 2025, cutting emissions by 75-80% through the introduction of low carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps and importantly for the fenestration industry – a focus on fabric efficiency.
The ambitious King’s Speech in July laid out the Labour government’s commitments to improve the state and supply of Britain’s housing, including a push to build 1.5million new homes. This is a bold target – we are not here to discuss if that number is achievable – but a key point of discussion is whether housing targets will be met through new dwellings or net additional homes – the latter of which includes changes like office-to-residential conversions.
Veka recognises that changing the use of a building and creating new dwellings are both important for a growth in housing, the former has to be a vital part of the government’s strategy as due to the environmental benefits
Changing the use of existing buildings, like in office-to-residential conversions, is better for the environment as it does not require the use of fresh green or grey belt land that new builds do and uses space that is already occupied.
Through its company-wide focus on sustainability, Veka is already at the forefront of energy-efficient design. We are well-positioned to support builders and homeowners in meeting these evolving standards, offering products that align with the goal of reducing carbon emissions in the housing sector, both for new construction and retrofits.
The fenestration industry plays a key role in ensuring a building’s environmental performance, and Veka’s industry-leading products are designed with that in mind.
Veka’s innovative solutions undergo the ultimate testing process to ensure that the quality and safety of products surpass current requirements, with an eye to future standards.
But nobody can predict the future, and the ambiguity around future demands of fenestration has put the industry on edge.
Fortunately, Veka’s product line is designed with fabricators in mind, to help bridge the gap between current and future standards. These products are a must-have to support the transition to net zero.
M70 thermal insert
Veka’s M70 thermal inserts are designed to improve the energy efficiency of window frames by reducing heat transfer and enhancing U-values. This can result in up to a 7% improvement (the 7% improvement is on the Uf Value, not the whole window) by providing an additional layer between interior and exterior environments, helping homeowners save on energy costs while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
As new regulations prioritise energy-efficient housing, these inserts align perfectly with the goals of the Future Homes Standard, reducing the energy demand of new builds.
The M70 thermal insert is a product that all fabricators should arm themselves with to stay ahead of the changes that the industry faces. The insert adds an additional layer between interior and exterior environments, providing windows with a gain in thermal efficiency that will improve its performance.
The insert is designed to fit M70 profiles, but also fits Veka’s double-rebated, double-flush Omnia suite to enhance the energy efficiency of the product.
Veka has patented thermal inserts available for all casement products making them the versatile tool installers need to help improve the performance of their catalogue.
Not only does the insert improve product performance, but it is made from 100% recycled content. The extra thermal efficiency provided by the insert is the product of a closed loop process and therefore has an entirely positive impact on the profile by increasing the percentage of recycled content included.
It is a must-have for fabricators that want to improve the U-value and energy efficiency of an M70 profile.
Thermally broken coupler
The thermally broken coupler minimises heat loss through the coupler used in window and door frames, improving the thermal efficiency of the window and door frames.
It separates the inner and outer aluminium sections with a thermal break, which not only improves insulation but also reduces condensation and the associated risks of mould.
Coupled windows can have a greater glazed area as the layer of insulation significantly reduces heat transfer between the warm and cold sides of the frames, improving its energy efficiency.
This feature is particularly useful in large-scale constructions, which are likely to be a focus under the Future Homes Standard, but can be used effectively to improve window and door performance in smaller dwellings.
Ventilation solutions
Veka’s range of ventilation solutions are compatible with any 70mm system, making them a versatile choice for different applications.
Its overhead and snap-on vents, ensure that homes remain well-ventilated without compromising energy efficiency. The snap-on vents also create an aesthetically pleasing finish to help hide external trickle vents while improving the ventilation of a profile.
These products allow fresh air circulation, minimising issues like condensation while supporting healthy indoor environments.
With proper ventilation being crucial for the focus on healthy, energy-efficient living spaces, Veka’s products cater to both new builds and retrofitting projects.
Veka is supporting its partners to deliver on energy efficiency as we strive towards net zero goals. For more information, visit www.veka.co.uk.
