Sustainability in the Doors and Windows Market

The door and window (D&W) market is complex, with
different products having different market structures, and companies often working across multiple sectors. Fabricators, who manufacture the completed D&W system, obtain parts of the door or window including profiles, glass and locks etc from several suppliers. Fabricators may install their products themselves
or supply installer partners. Products are also available from home improvement multiples and builders’ merchants.

In addition, different D&W materials have different supply structures – PVCu, aluminium, timber, composites and steel, while the wide variety of fittings available, from hinges to smart locks, mean multiple manufacturers and distributors may be needed to customise the door or window system. The complex market, along with these products being crucial for energy
efficiency, means there are many sustainability issues and opportunities, a few of which are briefly outlined below:

DURABILITY 

To work out environmental impacts of a product, the whole lifecycle must be considered. High quality, long-lasting products with good energy efficiency also justify a higher price point, as they save the consumer money long-term. For example, according to the Energy Saving Trust, a set of A rated windows for a semi-detached house saves £195 and 330 kg CO₂ per year compared to single glazing. Products should also be ‘designed for disassembly’ with end-of-life reuse considered. This is especially important for composites, which can be impossible to separate for recycling.

RECYCLING

PVCu is the dominant material for residential windows. It is created using oil as a feedstock and is not biodegradable. However, according to the Recovinyl scheme, it can be recycled up to 8 times with current technology, which essentially consists of smashing the PVC profiles to bits and forming pellets. Chemical recycling processes are being developed which could
potentially make plastics both more recyclable and improve the recycled product quality due to better separation.

Metals in general are infinitely recyclable, with common materials for D&W fittings including steel and brass, while aluminium is common in windows and patio doors. Recycled aluminium takes up to 95% less energy to produce than virgin material. Many PVCu and aluminium profile
extruders have recycling schemes in place, and using recycled materials for fabrication lowers the carbon footprint of products.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

Building components which reduce the amount of energy required by the structure to maintain internal temperature are increasingly important, especially with upcoming legislation such as the Future Homes and Buildings Standard. D&W fittings are often thought of as security products only, but they have a role in energy efficiency. Products like automatic locking
systems and door closers prevent energy loss, reducing space heating and cooling needs. Smart IoT linked systems are becoming increasingly popular, allowing occupants to control access easily via apps etc.  

SMART GLASS 

Modern glass additives create reactive smart glass that change tint automatically based on temperature, electrical input or light, reducing heat transfer. This improves energy efficiency and boasts impressive U-values, allowing greater control over the natural light in a space. This is especially useful for modern high-rise buildings, which are often covered by glass curtain wall. The large amount of glass allows easy heat transfer, which leads to large temperature swings in the building as well as issues with glare. Both can be mitigated with smart glass.

Written by Dr. Michael Graham, Research Manager at AMA Research
These topics are covered in detail in our Door and Window Fabricators UK Market Report 2022-2026, available now.
Door and Window Fittings UK Market Report 2023-2027 and Residential Doors UK Market Report 2023-2027 coming soon