Clearview South March 2014 - Issue 148 | Page 77

energyefficiency GGF SUPPORTS EDGETECH’S TRIPLE GLAZING DEBATE The Glass and Glazing Federation says that it is pleased to support GGF Member, Edgetech UK in an exciting new event that invites companies across all sectors of the industry to have their say on triple glazing. “The more we talk about triple glazing, the more questions are asked about the implications for the industry,” says Andy Jones, managing director of Edgetech UK. “To decide what’s right for individual companies it’s important to have a platform to get to grips with the relevant issues. That’s why Edgetech UK is hosting The Triple Glazing Question, A Quanex Building Products seminar, supported by an impressive group of companies, key stakeholders including the GGF, the leading trade body -and press partners.” As well as the debate on Thursday 10 April 2014 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, there’s a discussion website www.tripleglazingq.co.uk Between now and then there will be polls running in the press, on the website, Facebook and Twitter to gauge the mood of the industry. All the results will be made public. The in-depth discussion will cover a broad range of views, to gain a real understanding of some of the issues facing the industry and individual businesses. Andy adds: “We’re looking for a lively debate and that’s why The Triple Glazing Question is open to everyone.” Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “The Federation is delighted that a GGF Member is holding an event designed to seriously address one of the industry’s most topical issues. The GGF will not only be promoting this event but we will also be lending our support by offering relevant technical, political and health and safety knowledge where necessary. It promises to be a very healthy and productive debate.” To order your tickets for The Triple Glazing Question simply log onto www.tripleglazingq. co.uk and book your free place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 10 April. ENERGY EFFICIENCY: MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER We are all well aware of the need to take a more responsible approach to the environment, the need to cut carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption and waste, recycle more and seek out sustainable solutions. But many people feel that they are suffering from an information overload on all “green” issues - with renewable energy initiatives such as wind farms, solar installations and now, fracking, constantly in the news. All can be controversial and often confusing for consumers trying to find the best, workable and affordable solutions to improving energy efficiency, cutting their energy costs as well as doing their bit for the planet. For many years double glazing has been a major player in energy efficiency. Although its origins lie ‘Gradually became more affordable as the market expanded and competition became ever fiercer’ as far back as the Victorian period, it was not until the 1970s and the oil crisis that UK homeowners began to respond to rising energy prices by installing double glazing - which gradually became more affordable as the market expanded and competition became ever fiercer. Since then, continuous research and development, as well as vastly improved certification and regulation of the industry and To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com greater emphasis on consumer protection, ensures that as a proven form of energy efficiency, double glazing will continue to be in demand, with increasing emphasis on triple glazing. Today’s soaring energy prices mean that today’s savvy home owners seek out the best products to keep their property warm, dry and quieter – and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. In the UK, existing buildings represent around 99 percent of the building stock at any one time, with new construction at a rate of less than one percent of the total stock per year. So, as most of our housing stock to be occupied in the next 50 years already exists, improvements made to it will yield immediate energy and environmental benefits and savings. Much business is being generated in replacement of older installations of doors, windows and conservatories. And thanks to substantial improvements being made to materials recycling these days, there is far less waste. Energy saving has become as important to business as it is to the domestic market, given the opportunity it offers to cut costs and enhance profitability. Consumers are also increasingly checking the “green” credentials of companies when decision-making, which is an added incentive in marketing terms. Some businesses may feel they cannot afford to take the long term view by committing their stretched resources on energy efficiency schemes; but the reality is, can any business afford not to do so? MAR 2014 77