Wood Windows are Highly Rated for Specifiers and Consumers Alike

BRE says that the publication of the new, updated edition of BRE's Green Guide confirms that wood windows are the most effective choice in the battle against climate change.

‘The Green Guide shows that wood-based products, such as windows, have lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than other materials. GWP is increasing in importance as CO2 emissions from building materials become a more and more significant measure of a building's carbon footprint. Future incremental changes to Part L will demand a decrease in a building's energy-in-use, adding to the push from the Code for Sustainable Homes, which already uses the Green Guide as the basis for its ratings.

‘Take into consideration that timber is the only naturally renewable building material and that it has proven responsible sourcing credentials via forest certification and chain-of-custody certification schemes, and it becomes clearer why the wood industry, as a whole, is undergoing a renaissance, and why wood windows are contributing to a new building age. No wonder wood windows, like most other wood-based products, result in the highest overall summary rating of A+ and A when rated against BRE's 13 different environmental criteria.

‘Of course wood windows have other benefits too, such as thermal efficiency and security. Wood windows achieve the same glazing performance and ironmongery functions as other types of modern 21st Century windows, often more cost-effectively, especially where PassivHouse or Super 'E' windows are currently required.

‘We look forward to seeing how the positive benefits of 21st Century wood windows will increase the demand for more environmentally acceptable materials.’