Boiler replacement grant scheme up and running – campaigners hope plan to encourage installation of latest, energy-efficient double glazing will be next
More than 3,450 people have signed a petition calling on the government to introduce a double glazing scrappage scheme, just as the first applications are coming in from householders looking to take advantage of a similar incentive to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes.
The government’s boiler scrappage scheme was launched in early January, promising to save up to 125,000 eligible households £400 on the cost of replacing an old boiler with a more modern, fuel-efficient equivalent.
Now, support is growing for a similar scheme for double glazed windows, with a petition on the 10 Downing Street website attracting 3,450 signatures, as at Monday January 11.
And home improvement price comparison website LocalQuoter has backed this idea, believing that it will encourage window installers and manufacturers to step up to the challenge of addressing the environmental impacts of their work.
“We fully support any scheme which will help people reduce their CO2 emissions,” said LocalQuoter boss Les Yates, “and we’re sure our customers will too.
“We’ve already shown them the benefits of using local, suitably qualified and experienced tradespeople, and we welcome any moves to encourage our trusted industry partners to show a commitment to cutting the environmental impact of their work.
“Having state-of-the-art windows and doors installed is proven to help achieve substantial reductions in CO2, and can play a major part in helping the UK achieve the drastic emissions cuts which we are looking to achieve over the next decade,” he added.
The government has committed to cutting the amount of greenhouse gases, of which CO2, or carbon dioxide is the most common, by 70 per cent in the UK by the year 2020.
Installing modern windows can help maximise savings on energy bills over many years, according to Nigel Rees, Chief Executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), the umbrella body representing double glazing manufacturers and installers.
“Energy Efficient Windows (EEWs) have a huge role to play in improving the thermal performance of the existing housing stock,”, said Nigel Rees. “EEWs can reduce emissions by 10% from dwellings nationally and reduce national domestic energy expenditure by 10%. “
Mr Rees also argues that a window replacement scheme would help raise standards across the industry: “The GGF strongly believes that the proposals to incentivise the professional installation of new energy efficient windows are the only logical way forward,” he said.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is the primary trade association for companies that make, supply or fit flat glass and related products representing more than 60% of the industry’s turnover.
LocalQuoter.net compares many home improvements including cheap double glazing.
