A Glass Act at West Lothian College

JB Glazing Solutions, a well-established name in the Scottish glazing industry with over 50 years of experience, is no stranger to complex retrofit projects. Led by Managing Director James Boyce and Operations Director Jim Walker, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, energy-efficient window solutions across a range of commercial and residential developments. 

In February 2024, Jim and James were tasked with replacing inefficient, outdated aluminium windows for a half-block on campus at West Lothian College. It was a project commissioned by the Board of the College, coordinated through engineering services firm Ameresco, and delivered by JB Glazing Solutions, to a tight deadline. All work needed to be wrapped up during the February half-term to avoid disrupting classes and ensuring continuity of business.  This involved completion of all internal work, external frame removals and new window installations, all of which was delivered with attention to detail. 

This is no small feat. The windows being removed were large, cumbersome, and not exactly cooperative. Every replaced frame needed to come out cleanly, and every new one slotted in with care, all while meeting strict council thermal performance standards. That included achieving a whole window U-value of 1.2W/m²K and replicating the look of the original windows to preserve the building’s character. It was a balancing act of performance and aesthetics, against sustainability and efficiency. 

The Right Fit for the Frame 

This is where REHAU products excel. Known for its network of authorised installers, the polymer solutions supplier was Ameresco’s go-to advisor in selecting the right partner for this project. For Samsara McDonald, Commercial Sales Manager at REHAU UK, the choice was obvious. JB Glazing Solutions had already proven themselves on multiple occasions – most recently fitting REHAU frames in affordable housing projects across Glasgow – and their track record spoke volumes. 

“We’re often asked to recommend installers for commercial projects,” she says. “But we only ever put forward companies we trust completely to deliver top-quality work. As an approved REHAU commercial installer, JB Glazing Solutions fit the bill – they’re experienced, reliable, and genuinely care about what they do. I knew they’d be a perfect choice for this job.” 

After visiting a couple of sites with Ameresco and getting the go-ahead to submit pricing, Jim, James, and Samsara rolled up their sleeves and formalised the college’s specification. Together, they mapped out window solutions for West Lothian College that would tick all the boxes – energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and seamless integration with other ongoing works, including new cladding and air source heat pump installations. 

“We’ve worked with REHAU in one way or another for over 40 years, and they’ve always delivered,” says Jim. “From the service to the technical support, it’s always been spot on. So, for us, it’s simple – use reliable, high-quality products. 

“Honestly, when you walk into a meeting with a client and the manufacturer’s right there beside you, it sends a message. It shows commitment. I’m not sure how common that is in the industry, but it’s something REHAU does really well. The frames Samsara and her team suggested were exactly what we needed, and once we had the specification confirmed and approved, we got started.” 

With performance and practicality front of mind, REHAU recommended the TOTAL70R fully reversible system for the project. The system met the project specification for a whole window U-value of 1.2W/m²K, helping to improve the building’s overall energy efficiency.  

Its reversible design made it easier to clean and maintain – an important consideration for a college setting where access can be limited. The choice also supported the need for a consistent external appearance, with profiles in an elephant grey foil that could closely match the look of the original aluminium frames while offering the long-term durability of uPVC.