New industry research reveals 80 million windows need to be replaced across the UK

80 million home windows need to be replaced if the UK hopes to meet the government’s net zero targets.

That is just one of the alarming statistics revealed in a report, ‘A Window of Opportunity’, jointly published by the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) and British Glass. This is the most extensive report in the Glazing industry to date, publishing results from extensive research on heat loss in homes and the contribution that modern windows can make to keeping people’s homes warm.

When it comes to heat loss in a home, the UK currently has the least efficient housing stock in Western Europe and has seen one of the worst carbon reductions of all sectors since 1990.

The report demonstrates that replacing older double glazed windows with new windows that meet current standards can reduce heat loss in an already insulated home by half, from 44% to 22%.

Other figures that are certain to shock millions of homeowners are:

• 80 million windows would benefit from being replaced now
• The UK’s housing stock is the worst performing country in Western Europe in terms of heat loss, and three times less energy efficient than Germany
• Double glazing installed pre-2002 is in approximately 23% of the UK’s current housing stock and is 50% less energy efficient than new windows to current standards
• 22% heat saving could be achieved in properties that have already been insulated to best practice if pre-2002 windows are replaced
• Homes fitted with new windows to current standards could see a saving of up to £395 per year
• 24% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from the residential sector
• Replacing pre-2002 double glazing with new double glazing to current standards is the equivalent of taking 1.88 million cars off the road

Chris Beedel, Head of Advocacy at the GGF, said: “We are in continuous discussion with the government about net zero targets and the positive contribution that would be made if older double glazed windows were to be replaced. As the government looks to achieve net zero, it is clear homeowners and our industry have a vital role to play.

“We are well aware of the current state of the economy, and as the government requires higher energy efficiencies from new windows, there needs to be real incentives for homeowners to make the necessary change to new windows.”

Chris continues: “The residential sector currently contributes to almost a quarter of the entire country’s carbon emissions. This needs to change – reducing emissions from households, and therefore improving glazing, is crucial in helping reach net zero, which we are all committed to.”

The press launch for this report achieved widespread media coverage across a range of media titles with 43 pieces of media coverage including the likes of The Herald, Climate Today, Yahoo Finance, Future Net Zero, WallStreet online.

The campaign gained traction within the political field with meetings lined up with relevant politicians, as well as helping to empower GGF members to advocate on behalf of the GGF via a planned social media campaign and members’ toolkit.

Media House continues to work with the GGF on political engagement opportunities.

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