Energy Rated Window Systems

THE NEW BFRC THERMALLY APPROVED WINDOW SYSTEM
IMPROVED THERMAL PERFORMANCE AS STANDARD

Our Commitment
We have always had a commitment to their customers and the environment, which is why year after year we continue to re-evaluate the market and asses areas where we can see potential improvements, which is why we are pleased to introduce our C, B and A energy rated window systems. Detailed in this brochure is what goes into our Energy saving window systems, but if there is any further information you require, please feel free to get in touch today.

Background
Housing is one of the major sources of energy use, and one of the main areas of energy loss is via the glazing. Windows are in place for a long time and efficiency gains achieved by fitting high performance windows are effective for the life of the product. By increasing the energy efficiency of glazed areas this will significantly reduce fuel bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the life of the window installation.

What is the Window Energy Rating
The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) is an independent, government-backed initiative set up to enhance the energy performance of buildings. BFRC in conjunction with the U.K. glazing industry and European partners has developed a Window Energy Rating to assess the energy performance of domestic windows. For consumer purposes, the BFRC Rating value is converted on a A to G scale, which is known to the public from electrical products such as fridges and washing machines.

Building Regulations
The BFRC Rating or windows is now included in the Building Regulation Part L with effect from April 2006. Beside the existing target U-Values for replacement windows, compliance to Part L can be shown using certain Window Energy Ratings. The standard for replacement windows in an existing dwelling should be an energy rating of ‘E’ or better with the standard for new windows in extensions being a ‘D’ rating or better. For new dwellings the compliance with Part L is proven via a Target CO2 Emission Rate, which needs to be met, without specific BFRC requirements for the windows.

Fittings	Standard for new fittings in extensions	Standard for replacement fittings in an existing dwelling
Window, roof window and roof light.	Uw = 1.8 W/m2k or BFRC Rating = Band D or Ug = 1.2 W/m2K	Uw = 2.0 W/m2k or BFRC Rating = Band E or Ug = 1.2 W/m2K

Energy Saving Trust
C Rated windows or better are included in the Energy Saving Trust scheme “Energy Saving Recommended”. The “Energy Saving Recommended” certification mark was developed by the Energy Saving Trust to distinguish the most energy efficient products on the market. Only products that meet the strict requirements will be endorsed and given the certification mark.

Achievable BFRC Ratings
The Solar Gain, the Thermal Transmittance and the Air Leakage influence the BFRC rating. In the diagrams across you can find a general guidance on how we achieve an A, B and C rating.