GGF Gains Sympathetic Voice in Parliament
During a recent parliamentary debate on the progress and prospects for energy efficiency a number of the key issues of the Glass & Glazing Federation were raised by Luciana Berger MP.
The focus of the debate was on the funding available to homes for energy efficiency measures under the Green Deal. Ms Berger began by stating that she was pleased to have the opportunity to join a debate on an issue as important as energy efficiency, and that she was glad that further detail had been given in view of the vagueness of the announcements in the recent Emergency Budget, although she highlighted that today’s debate had raised as many further questions as it had answered.
Ms Berger then pointed out that although energy efficiency measures such as loft insulation had been discussed at length, the benefits of EEWs had not been discussed. She advised the House of the Energy Saving Trust’s estimate that approximately 23% of a building’s heat energy is lost through inefficient windows, adding that this made it vital that EEWs were included in measures introduced under the Green Deal.
She described the work of the GGF and who it represents, emphasising that the current economic downturn had been particularly damaging to its members. She added that, at the current rate of installations, emission reduction targets would not be met.
Ms Berger asked the Minister to clarify whether support for energy efficiency measures under the Green Deal and other projects would include EEWs. She also asked him whether he will consider a windows scrappage scheme given the success of the boiler scrappage scheme, and the greater benefits a scheme for windows would offer according to the EST’s calculations.
She highlighted that the installation of EEWs in all housing stock would save almost 4 million tonnes of carbon each year and reduce national emissions and national energy expenditure by 10%, in line with the 10:10 commitments.
She concluded by urging the Minister to include EEWs in the measures introduced under the Green Deal.
“The GGF has always worked hard to extend its influence deep within government in order to benefit its members and the wider industry,” GGF Chief Executive Nigel Rees said. “Talking among ourselves about what is good for the glass and glazing industries only gets us so far – we only get results when our ideas are heard by the people who can influence Parliament.
“Luciana Berger MP is a dynamic young MP, who represents all that is good about modern politics and the GGF is hopeful that having attention drawn to the importance of including EEWs under the Green Deal will encourage Government to engage more closely with the GGF, and listen favourably to its suggestions for incentivising increased energy efficiency through measures such as a windows scrappage scheme.
“We intend to follow up this debate with a letter to Greg Barker, Minister of State for Climate Change, repeating the points raised by Ms Berger, and urging him to include EEWs in the Green Deal measure,” concluded Rees.
Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
The GGF is a recognised authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries.
Membership of the Federation is not automatic. Companies must have been trading for three years; and we have a strict vetting procedure that includes looking at company accounts and site visits. The Federation represents more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. If you are not already a Member come and join us now.
