A new study has revealed EU policy measures are failing to realise the energy saving potential of windows
A number of EU member states are failing to realise the energy saving potential of windows. This was the finding of a new study that suggested policies in place are not adequately enforcing the directives.
The Energy Performance of Building Directive requires member states to ensure minimum levels of energy efficiency are adhered to. This include the efficiency of windows. However, a new study commissioned by Glass for Europe for ECOFYS has revealed policy is not being followed.
Windows are overlooked as energy saving measures
According to the findings over 85 per cent of glazed areas in EU buildings were either single glazing or uncoated double glazing. Glass for Europe said the potential of windows in saving energy was being largely overlooked.
Secretary General Bertrand Cazes said: “Despite the priority given to energy efficient buildings and the vast amount of energy that could be saved if consumers opt for energy-efficient windows, this study demonstrates that regulatory measures in place are insufficient or not properly enforced.”
The study also found that minimum performance requirements did not push the market towards installing energy efficient windows.
Minimum performance requirements
Glass for Europe said there should be a focus on ensuring minimum performance requirements are based on the energy balance approach. This was because national requirements were often sub-optimal and based on the sole U-vale. The energy balance approach is only followed by Denmark and the UK. Both nations correctly combine solar heat gains and heat losses of a window into a single value.
The organisation called for more frequent national updates to energy performance requirements after noting eight countries had failed to update their building codes for at least the past five years.
Lastly, minimum requirements should be applied to any window replacement—irrespective of the size of the project. The study found 11 member states allowed residential windows below the minimum requirement to be installed on buildings as standards only apply in new construction cases or if a renovation permit is requested.
Cazes added: “The study illustrates how the realisation of the energy savings potential of windows is impeded by an inadequate EU legislative framework.
“To make minimum performance requirements a real energy efficiency driver, the current EPBD must provide better guidance to Member States on how to assess the energy performance of windows and it must correct today’s loopholes to ensure minimum performance requirements are implemented more thoroughly.”
