I think we speak for everyone operating in the construction industry when we say that we want to do right by properties in the residential and commercial sectors. One particular hot topic that regularly comes up for debate is energy efficiency, but more specifically, what we should be doing to ensure that newly installed products maintain it as much as possible.
There are many thoughts on the matter, so we at Evaframe thought we’d touch upon some of the ideas in place, and where they stand with regards to the aluminium windows and doors we products.
What is Passivhaus?
Simply put, Passivhaus is a German-based certification which acts as the global authority on the energy levels needed for homes to be considered efficient. If a property achieves Passivhaus accreditation, it means that the space has optimised its thermal performance in such a way that is does not require or actively use artificial heating methods. Instead, a balanced temperature can be maintained through well-insulating windows and doors.
Such high standards of energy efficiency are relevant for UK installers due to government targets that are set in place, which require homes to achieve lower carbon emissions. Surpassing Passivhaus standards also lends itself well to unique marketing opportunities for British tradesmen, giving them a notable edge over rival companies who aren’t installing products in-line with government trends.
What is the Code for Sustainable Homes?
Set in place when 43% of all the UK’s carbon emissions were found to originate from just buildings alone in 2009, the Code for Sustainable Homes was introduced to provide a single national standard for the design and construction of sustainable new homes. Originally tied into the government’s wider Green Deal initiative, the code differs from Passivhaus in that it focusses specifically on reducing carbon emissions.
A joint force for good for UK housing?
There is a growing call in the UK for Passivhaus standards to be incorporated into targets for Low and ‘Zero Carbon’ buildings through the Energy elements of code for Sustainable Homes and upcoming revisions of UK Building Regulations. This would make sense, considering that both institutions work towards the betterment of Green energy performance.
The two institutions were both laid out to reduce the impact residential homes have on the environment. And so while the debate continues as to whether they should intertwine, from a minimal standpoint it pays to keep this in mind if you’re an installer operating in the UK.
Windows and doors from Evaframe that keep installers covered
When choosing Evaframe as your trade supplier, you can feel confident knowing that our products are fully certified to meet Passivhaus levels of energy efficiency. While the statutes and legislation in place might be in a constant state of flux, U values of just 0.71 W/m2K far exceed what’s deemed acceptable.
To get in touch or to simply learn more about this topic, contact the Evaframe team today either via 01633 746 390 or send us an online message.
