BRFC Energy Rating
Energy efficient windows and doors
With the Kyoto Agreement the UK government signed the commitment to reduce emissions caused by industry, traffic and buildings. With the exploding energy prices energy saving became one of the major topics for property owners and tenants as well. We all are affected by the rising energy prices and should prepare ourselves for the future. It is more or less a given rule that energy prices will rise even further, so energy saving is the way forward. The British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) is a government backed initiative to reduce the energy consumption of residential properties. Together with European partners the BFRC developed an Energy Rating Scheme for windows in residential properties. Similar to the ABC Rating, known from white good products like fridges, an energy label was introduced to the UK window market. Since the 1st of April 2006 the BFRC Energy Rating has been included in the Building Regulations Part L for England and Wales. Compliance with Part L for replacement windows and new windows in extensions of dwellings can be shown with achieving certain Energy Ratings. E Rating or better is required for replacement windows and D Rating or better is required for new windows in extensions. The Energy Saving Trust developed the logo “Energy Saving Recommended” in order to distinguish the most energy efficient products. C rated windows or better have been included. This provides window fabricator and installer another label to promote energy efficient windows to the UK market. REHAU has been involved in the BFRC Energy Rating right from the start to ensure that our window systems and therefore our customer base is well prepared for the future. After extensive evaluation and development work we are proud to present the first and so far only A Rating with a double glazing unit. This excellent result has been achieved by using REHAU S706 with the patented Thermal Sleeve solution to enhance the thermal performance of REHAU frames by up to 0.2 W/(m2K). With this improvement we enabled our customer base to achieve the best BFRC Energy Rating with a double glazing unit. Based on material costs for the standard BFRC window this double glazing option provides about 15% price advantage compared against a triple glazing alternative without Thermal Sleeves.
We are convinced that the BFRC Energy Rating provides a good tool for our customer base to promote their products and highlight the superior performance of their windows with labels and certificates known to the public. A special BFRC Quick Check program has been developed to establish achievable ratings for different profile and glazing unit combinations. With this tool the most efficient combinations to achieve a C, B and even an A Rating can be evaluated, which saves time and costs during the certification process. The BFRC Energy Ratings provides a good tool to promote energy efficient windows. As energy saving gets one of the most important decision points for investments in existing properties or the design of new buildings, REHAU promotes their energy efficient products and encourages our customer base to get BFRC certified. The message is: “Why competing with the rest of the world about windows, just compliant with the Building Regulation, when you can promote your products with a C, B or even an A Rating. Every thing is possible. Speak to REHAU. More information is provided within our brochure “BFRC Energy Rating – The REHAU ABC”.
www.rehau.co.uk: Building Solutions > Windows, Doors & Curtain Walling > Benefits of Modern Windows > BRFC Energy Rating
© REHAU Ltd. All Rights reserved. 2009
