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doors, windows, glazing & hardware


Why triple glazing is becoming the smart standard for sustainable building


For more than 20 years, double glazing has been the default benchmark for thermal performance in UK buildings. It helped lift EPC ratings, reduce draughts and most importantly, cut heating bills across millions of homes. However, as sustainability targets tighten and Net Zero ambitions shift, the construction industry is moving towards a new standard: triple glazing. Etheridge Windows tells ABC&D more...


Developers are recognising that triple glazing does far more than add another pane of glass. It strengthens the thermal envelope, unlocks measurable carbon savings, and helps future- proof buildings against the regulatory landscape that is already beginning to change. Sharper thermal performance: U-values and G-values that matter At the core of triple glazing’s rise is its ability to deliver significantly lower U-values compared to even the best-performing double glazing. High quality double glazed units typically achieve U-values of around 1.2 W/m²K, while triple glazing can push that down towards 0.8 W/m²K or sometimes lower.


Lower U-values directly translate into reduced heat loss, which means: • Lower operational carbon • More stable indoor temperatures • Improved EPC scores • Less reliance on heating systems during cold spells Equally important is the control of G-values. A well-specified triple glazed unit balances solar gain: maximising free heat in winter while avoiding excessive solar loading in summer. This makes it ideal for commercial developments and contemporary residential builds that feature large expanses of glazing.


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