BUILDING FABRIC 51
PVCU: PART OF THE SUSTAINABILITY CONVERSATION
Martin Benn of Eurocell outlines how recycled waste used to produce new high performing and thermally effi cient PVCu window and door product solutions can support housebuilders as they strive to satisfy environmental responsibilities.
C
hanges to Part L of the Building Regulations came into effect during 2022. A key objective of the new regulatory landscape is to ensure all new homes will produce 31% lower carbon emissions by incorporating renewable energy technology solutions. This is a critical step on the journey to net zero and comes ahead of the Future Homes Standard which will be introduced in 2025. At that point, the requirement will be that all new homes are specifi ed and constructed to be highly energy effi cient, use low carbon heating solutions, and, ultimately, be zero carbon ready.
Alongside emerging energy effi ciency policies and new regulations, pressure also remains on housebuilders to use more sustainable building methods and informed product choices. Consumer sentiment, fuelled by
escalating climate concerns, means they are scrutinising businesses more closely than ever when it comes to how they act and operate. As a result, the environmental impact of product choices continues to be a key priority for housebuilders and associated supply chains.
PVCu is already playing its part in helping the sector meet important environmental and regulatory obliga- tions. Set against other potential product choices such as aluminium or timber composite, PVCu offers long-term durability and high performance, attractive aesthetics to support design visions, cost effective value and, through important initiatives such as recycling processes, is a truly sustainable solution. Compared with alternative choices for windows and doors, PVCu is proven to deliver an enhanced thermal performance.
Combined with effective glazing solutions, buildings can be better insulated and use less energy with PVCu’s ability to offer a lower u-value for lower cost. For large scale developments, the option to achieve excellent thermal performance results through a cost-effi cient product choice without compromise, is a reason why PVCu solutions containing high levels of recycled content are becoming the proven sustainable product choice for many.
PVCU VALIDATION To further substantiate the sustainability credentials of PVCu product solutions, we worked with the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University to review an array of data sets and modelling emanating from peer-re- viewed publications. This would establish a life cycle assessment of the use of
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