Duraflex welcomes Code for Sustainable Homes

Duraflex aims at all times to ensure that products meet the criteria in terms of thermal efficiency

Last December saw the introduction of the final version of the new Government Code for Sustainable Homes.

'Ambitious' is certainly one way of describing it, but with the Government's stated target of taking new homes to zero carbon emissions in a decade it has all the appearances of being a credible means of achieving that.

As such it has the backing both of Duraflex and our industry as a whole and we have followed its progress from conception and through the consultation process with interest.

Of course, one of the main points worth noting is that the standards set exceed current building regulations and encompass all aspects of sustainability.

Inevitably, this provides room for manoeuvre in terms of setting higher standards of Building Regulations, which must be good news for all concerned.

Meanwhile, EcoHomes 2006 continues to be used for refurbishment projects, and will be operated by the BRE alongside the new Code for Sustainable Homes, using its UKAS accredited EcoHomes systems and procedures.

Hence, although it's based to some extent on EcoHomes, it goes much further in scope and 'levels of excellence'.

For example, while it addresses energy as you would expect, it also takes in water use, surface water run-off, waste, pollution, health and wellbeing, management ecology and materials.

At its core, the code has several levels (or Stars) each with a rising set of requirements for each.

At all levels there are minimum standards set for energy and water efficiency, with points awarded for a range of other features.

On a rising scale, one star is 10% better than current Part L requirements, two stars is 18% and three stars 25% better, whilst four stars is 44% better.

Five stars signifies a zero emissions property in terms of heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting, whilst a six star rating signifies a zero carbon home.

Inevitably, of most direct interest to Duraflex is the materials element, with requirements of the new Code based on the BRE's Green Guide.

Here, taking a one star home, at least three components of a list of five must be D rated in the new Green Guide.

Windows and doors are one of the five and as the requirements increase from one to five, or even six, stars it is logical that higher rated materials will need to be specified.

In the new Green Guide ratings are now set out at A+ to E (rather than A to C as appears in the current guide).

Anything below A+ represents the most sustainable products currently available, whilst A+ is reserved for new inventions that outstrip anything else currently available.

David Riley, our Quality Services Manager, is at the sharp end when it comes to all this and he says : "It goes without saying that Duraflex aims at all times to ensure that our products meet the above criteria in terms of thermal efficiency.

To this end we have carried out extensive investigations and analysis to obtain data suitable for BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council).

"Over 200 simulations involving different sealed unit and frame combinations allows any Duraflex customer to have their window specifications registered with BFRC from the lowest rating (E) to the exacting top A rating".

In conclusion, it's pertinent to emphasise a complementary initiative, RecoVinyl, which is a commitment by the European PVC sector as a whole to advance sustainable development across the industry.

Even though we are not a window manufacturer or installer, we have supported this move from the outset and actively encourage our customers to become involved as members.

Only by doing so can they significantly contribute to improved production processes, as well as a reduction of emissions and amounts removed for landfill.

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