Kitemark confirmation for window energy ratings

A BSI British Standards product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Jul 7, 2010

The Kitemark Window Energy Rating scheme operated by the British Standards Institution (BSI) provides independently verified data on energy performance.

The scheme provides this information for specifiers and end users of windows, and also offers windows suppliers with a convenient and cost effective route to regulatory compliance.

The Kitemark Window Energy Rating scheme is operated by the British Standards Institution (BSI)

Energy performance of windows is an issue of increasing concern for consumers and Government alike and, from 1st October 2010 this concern will be reflected in changes to Approved Document L1B of the building regulations.

From this date, all windows for use in England and Wales must have at least a band C Window Energy Rating, and in Scotland at least a band A or C rating, or a combined U-value of 1.6 W/m2K.

In order to continue selling windows, suppliers must be able to provide evidence that they conform to the legislation.

The new BSI Kitemark scheme not only provides the necessary evidence of compliance, it also offers other important benefits.

It allows licensees, for example, to use the respected BSI Kitemark, which is recognised and trusted by 88 per cent of the adult population as a mark of quality and safety.

The Kitemark scheme is also recognised by the Energy Saving Trust, and licensees that achieve a B rating or better for their products are automatically eligible to apply for membership of the Energy Saving Trust Recommended (ESTR) scheme.

Licensees benefit from assessments that are carried out by BSI's own experienced personnel, without recourse to third-party contractors, and from easy access to the full range of additional services available from BSI, which make the organisation a convenient and cost effective one-stop-shop for all standards and testing issues related to windows.

Kitemark licenses for the Windows Energy Rating scheme are awarded only after a detailed evaluation has been carried out by BSI's experienced inspectors.

This includes checking and reviewing simulations, which must be provided by the system supplier or a BSI accredited simulator, and assessing the business operations of the company applying for the licence.

The assessments are repeated at regular intervals to ensure that standards are being maintained.

Licensees for the Kitemark Windows Energy Rating scheme, and for all other Kitemark schemes, are listed on the Kitemark.com website, which is widely used by consumers and specifiers seeking dependable suppliers.