High-Quality Fenestration Key to Meeting New Social Housing Energy Efficiency Targets

Informed specification of energy-efficient windows and doors is crucial to meeting the government’s recently announced target that all English social homes should achieve an energy performance certificate rating of at least C by 2030.

17.09.2024

Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, unveiled plans at Labour’s conference to help the social housing sector meet decarbonisation goals and cut tenant fuel bills.¹ With the plan subject to consultation later this year, polymer manufacturer REHAU is emphasising the role of window and door specification for local authorities and housing associations seeking ways to improve thermal performance.

“The fact that 1.2 million social homes currently have an EPC of D or below is definitely a matter of great concern,” says Martin Hitchin, CEO of REHAU UK. “Yet it is also understandable – most public housing was built between 1945 and 1980, so was not designed with modern thermal performance and sustainability requirements in mind.

“This undoubtedly poses a challenge for councils and housing associations that will require a multi-pronged approach to solve, of which new windows and doors are a key part. The impact of these frames on a property’s overall thermal performance cannot be understated. Given this most recent announcement by the Government, I would advise social housing stakeholders to further explore fenestration options, and what ‘good’ looks like for energy-efficient windows and doors.”

It is, therefore, even more important to keep updated on sector legislation and standards when specifying more thermally efficient frames, including the Building Regulations and other performance metrics such as Window Energy Ratings. With local authority and housing association decision-makers under pressure and subject to expanding workloads, leveraging expertise within the wider supply chain may hold the key to ensuring more energy-efficient building stock.

“Social housing stakeholders must plan any upgrading works carefully, as replacing key components such as windows and doors is a highly technical process requiring strict adherence to regulations and performance criteria,” he concludes. “Engaging third parties within existing supply chains can help decision-makers bridge any knowledge gaps and allow for a smoother process from design to specification and on to installation. This is especially important given increasingly rigorous energy efficiency targets such as those unveiled by Mr. Miliband, and the overall direction of travel towards greater sustainability within the sector.”

For more information on frame specification through REHAU, click here.