Demand for sustainable windows

Installers and fabricators should prioritise sustainability and thermal efficiency when considering their product offering, according to Rehau, after a recent survey found that homeowners consider double glazing the most important internal sustainable feature when moving home.

The research, conducted by UK housebuilder Redrow, surveyed 2,000 people on the single most important internal sustainable feature they would have in their next home. With 26% of respondents selecting it as their number one priority, double glazing was the most popular selection.

According to Rehau, these findings demonstrate that sustainability and thermal efficiency are now key priorities for consumers when selecting their next frames. The systems company is therefore encouraging companies within the fenestration industry to adapt their available ranges to fit this increasing demand.

“In order to thrive in today’s challenging business landscape, it is vital that installers and fabricators stay ahead of the curve when it comes to consumer behaviour,” Russell Hand, head of marketing and technical at Rehau Windows, said. “These findings demonstrate that sustainability remains a key priority for homeowners, so companies need to adapt accordingly and offer eco-friendly window solutions.

“It is with this in mind that solutions providers must ensure they are offering the most eco-friendly frames possible. Insofar as PVCU windows are concerned, installers and fabricators should therefore ensure they source window solutions from socially responsible providers with extensive operations dedicated to recycling older material back into the supply chain, and reducing landfill.”

Rehau recently opened its new PVC recycling plant in Runcorn, PVCR, which is one of the largest PVCU recyclers in the UK, capable of processing over 13,000 tonnes of postconsumer polymer windows and doors every year.

The survey also highlighted well-sealed windows and doors as the third most popular choice for householders when considering internal sustainable features for their new home, with 17% of the vote overall. Consequently, Russell is encouraging installers and fabricators to consider sustainable materials with excellent thermal efficiency credentials when choosing their window range.