72 BUILDING FABRIC


doors must now have the same -value requirement as windows, no matter the glaing content. nterestingly, the regulations don’t prescribe ways of achieving these targets, leaving it to the builder to decide how best to comply with them. ltimately, the focus will be on making improvements to the fabric of the building by embracing high-performance and energy-effi cient materials and technologies. hich, to be fair, many companies involved in the windows and doors market already do. enerally, -values are far lower now than they were ust fi ve years ago  a combination of better technology and more awareness  but as a sector we could do even better. t ereco, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. e try to make a difference, as opposed to ust delivering it, by thinking about every aspect of our business, from obtaining our wood via sustainable forests to issues around packaging, transport, and supply chain ethics. ou won’t be surprised to learn that we’re passionate about spreading the good news about timber usage. ersonally, ’ve seen how much timber products can benefi t everyone, from the sustainable forests we purchase from to the builder able to access resources quicker with


faster labour times.  believe that timber is the best option and investment for windows and doors. ou might argue, she would say that,’ and, of course,  recognise that timber is still seen as a premium product, so many construction fi rms use recycled u or aluminium as a matter of course. ut what else can we do as a sector e could start by looking at our premises. s we’re trying to build sustainably, it would make sense that onsite accommodation is as energy effi cient as possible. t might even be worth considering a move to offsite construction, which leads to less onsite waste and reduced impact of onsite activities including transportation and heavy use of machinery.  more sustainable policy towards the disposal of construction waste is another idea by


embedding sustainable principles into how we deal with waste, we’re helping to reduce the disposal of waste overall  a signifi cant contributor to emissions. his embedded approach can also be extended to the issues of transportation and supply chains. ith the former, considering a switch to more fuel-effi cient vehicles, along with sourcing local materials, can reduce emissions associated with onsite and offsite movements.  supply chain can be made more sustainable by using recycled materials, while as far as possible not using plastic, and committing to small wins such as taking back and reusing timber pallets.  sustainable approach requires a certain amount of thought and a level of commitment that may take some getting used to. owever, in the long run, the benefi ts are worthwhile, and not ust for the environment. ustomers see the value of a greener approach to construction and, by all accounts, are happy to pay a little extra, even in tough times, to help us all keep our carbon footprint to a minimum. atching awaiian and reek islands burn is not a pleasant experience  yet such images ust might be the wake-up call we all need if we are to change our approaches and survive global warming.


Nicola Harrison is managing director of Bereco


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