windows sustainability action plan
TRANSCRIPT
Windows Sustainability Action Plan2nd Annual Report 2013
A contribution to delivering the targets in the joint Government and industry Strategy for Sustainable Construction.
1
Logos of supporting organisations
Windows Sustainability Partnership Membership
Organisation Website Participant
British Glass www.britglass.org.uk Vallishree Murthy
British Plastics Federation (BPF) www.bpf.co.uk Paul Jervis
British Woodworking Federation (BWF) www.bwf.org.uk Kevin Underwood
Construction Products Association www.constructionproducts.org.uk Jane Thornback
Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) www.c-a-b.org.uk Justin Ratcliffe
Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) www.ggf.co.uk Russell Day
Giles Willson
Ineos Chlorvinyls www.ineoschlor.com Jason Leadbitter (chair)
The NSG Group www.nsg.com Sharon Williams
Saint Gobain Glass http://uk.saint-gobain-glass.com/b2c/default.asp Dave Redford
Solaglas www.solaglas.co.uk Brian Baker
Timber Resource Efficiency Partnership
(TREP)
www.bwf.org.uk/trep Matthew Mahony
Wood Window Alliance (WWA) http://www.woodwindowalliance.com John Fletcher
WRAP www.wrap.org.uk Malcolm Waddell
2
Foreword
In a fiercely competitive world, it is somehow reassuring to
observe how industries can come together, as we have done
within the Windows Sustainability Partnership, to both share
best practice and implement key actions for the common good.
One of the best examples to date is how each sector is
approaching its commitment towards responsible sourcing.
The Windows Sustainability Action Plan has started a
collaborative journey that I am confident will both lead to
significant improvements across the windows industry and
contribute towards the recognition of the UK as a leader in sustainable construction.
Jason Leadbitter
Windows Sustainability Partnership Chairman
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Executive Summary
This report details the progress made against actions in the Windows Sustainability Action Plan throughout
2012. The actions in this Plan have been grouped into the five sections which were in the original
Windows Sustainability Action Plan. These are: Overarching Challenges and the main components –
Glazing, PVC, Aluminium and Timber. Steel has been omitted from this Action Plan; however, should
suitable representatives of the steel window sector wish to join the Windows Sustainability Partnership
in the future, then revisions of the Plan can incorporate this.
Progress against each of the above areas is detailed throughout this annual report. Key highlights in the
component areas have been as follows:
The flat glass companies have worked together and with other stakeholders to overcome
barriers and move ever closer to implementing Responsible Sourcing for the glass supply chain.
The companies helped create an independently verified Life Cycle Analysis for thermally
efficient flat glass. Saint Gobain became the first flat glass company in the world to do this for
specific products.
Through Recovinyl, the recycling arm of the PVC industry, the UK successfully managed to
both collect and recycle 25,479 tonnes per annum of post-consumer PVC window frames from
demolition waste. This equates to a conservative estimate of over one million window frames
being diverted from landfill and recycled back into long-term construction products, including
new windows.
Aluminium’s generic environmental profiles were updated in the BRE Green Guide online on 8
August 2012. For the first time since the introduction of the Green Guide, aluminium powder
coated windows can now achieve the following ratings:
- ‘A+’ Rating (for all commercial windows < 0.9kg/m)
- ‘A’ Rating (for all commercial windows < 1.5kg/m)
- ‘A’ Rating (for all domestic windows < 1.08kg/m)
- ‘B’ Rating (for all domestic windows >1.08kg/m)
The focus of attention for timber windows in 2012 was on continued research into their
durability and service life expectations, continued action to ensure the use of timber from legal
and sustainable sources, and working with WRAP and Defra on improved reuse and recovery
of so-called wood waste ahead of a proposed ban of wood waste to landfill.
The continued development of the Windows Sustainability Partnership has meant closer ties across key
industry sectors and with WRAP. The link between the Construction Products Association, WRAP and
various trade bodies in the windows sector has meant greater synergy and communication. The
formation of the Windows Sustainability Partnership has increased the level of focus in this area and
notable progress has been made across the Windows Sustainability Action Plan.
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Contents
Foreword 2
Executive Summary 3
1 Introduction 5
2. Windows Sustainability Partnership 7
3. Overarching challenges across the windows sector 8
4. Optimised glazing 12
5 VinylPlus 15
6. Aluminium for Future Generations 17
7. Timber Resource Efficiency 21
Appendix A: Windows Supply Chain Diagrams 23
Appendix B: Windows Sustainability Partnership Constitution 25
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1 Introduction
In 2009, an evidence study1 was produced detailing the resource efficiency of the windows sector. This
Windows Sustainability Action Plan was published in October 20102 and was a key output from Defra’s
roadmap process.
In the construction area, windows were chosen for a roadmap because of their usage in virtually all
buildings, significance in terms of energy and environmental performance of a building and the strong
record the industry has in identifying and implementing sustainability improvements. Most of the
evidence and actions considered by the Windows Sustainability Partnership (WSP) relate to domestic
windows, though some are equally relevant to commercial windows (such as recycling of flat glass).
The WSP is made up of representation from across the windows supply chain from manufacture
through to disposal, with members principally being those trade associations representing aspects of
the windows supply chain.
The implementation of the Action Plan is supported by WRAP. This document constitutes the second
annual report to evaluate progress against the actions in the 2010 Action Plan. Some of the action
points have been reassessed and certain items may be removed, added or changed in future reports.
1.1 About Windows
The total stock of windows in the UK housing market is estimated at around 230 million units.
However, with the onset of the recession, a reduction in house building and the high number of
homes that now have double glazing, the demand for windows in housing has decreased to just over 6
million frames. By 2011 over 84% of homes had some degree of double glazing,3 and the proportion of
first-time replacement windows has now dropped to less than 50% (which means the replacement of
replacement windows exceeds 50%).
Common to all windows are the glazing units and hardware (window locks, etc.). Framing materials
typically used include PVC-U (Polyvinyl Chloride – Unplasticised), hardwood, softwood, aluminium and
steel. For the purposes of this Action Plan, the following framing materials are reported on: PVC-U,
timber and aluminium.
A key consideration in measuring the performance of windows relates to the energy efficiency of
buildings. In recent years this has focused on product innovation, especially in terms of the thermal
efficiency of the glazed area.
Triple glazing, special coatings, low-emissivity and vacuum glazing are all outputs of this activity.
Research and development continues to thrive in this product area, further driven by policy
commitments to build only zero-carbon dwellings by 2016, and zero-carbon buildings by 2019.
More details of the environmental impacts and background to the purpose of this work can
be found in the Windows Sustainability Action Plan.
1 http://archive.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/products/roadmaps/documents/windows0909.pdf 2 http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13438-windows-101019.pdf 3 Trade Sector Profile: Domestic Glazing June 2007, Purple Market Research Ltd for Energy Savings Trust and Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes updated with Competent Person Schemes registrations
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1.2 Windows Supply Chain
It is difficult to provide a ‘one size fits all’ supply chain diagram to cover all windows. A simplified one
is provided in Figure 1. More detailed supply chain diagrams for the main windows components can be
found in Appendix A.
Figure 1 Windows supply chain
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2. Windows Sustainability Partnership
2.1 What is the Windows Sustainability Partnership?
The Windows Sustainability Partnership (WSP) owns and oversees the
implementation, monitoring and review of the Windows Sustainability Action Plan.
The WSP is a networking organisation set up to lead on sustainability issues relating
to windows. It is to provide a single point of contact for sustainability throughout
the ‘windows sector’.
It facilitates networking between the individual segments of the industry.
It communicates best practice.
It is a non-profit making organisation.
2.2 What the Windows Sustainability Partnership is not
It is not a ‘governing body’.
It is not a recycling scheme.
It will not take funds from other groups.
2.3 Windows Sustainability Partnership members list
The WSP is made up of representatives from across the windows supply chain,
trade associations, as well as relevant Government departments, regulatory
agencies and delivery bodies.
A full membership list is given at the front of this document.
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3. Overarching challenges across the windows sector
The energy performance of windows predominates in terms of reducing environmental impact
generally. The design, engineering and quality of window fabrication all play important roles in
producing an energy efficient window.
This section details the progress against the overarching actions detailed in section 5 of the Windows
Sustainability Action Plan4 published in 2010.
Table 1 Actions for overarching challenges across the windows sector
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Progress
OC1 - Responsible
sourcing scheme for
glass
Responsible sourcing
standards for all main
windows components
required before responsible
sourcing standard for
windows is possible. British
Glass to discuss with UK
glass manufacturers to gauge
interest in setting up a
sector scheme.
British Glass British Glass with the three UK flat glass
manufacturers reviewed the two responsible
sourcing standards: BES 6001 and BS 8902,
mapping out the practical implications for the
product supply chain. The conclusion from
this work is that, whilst BES 6001 is
considered by the manufacturers to be the
most applicable existing standard for a
number of reasons, it does not readily lend
itself to a multistage and multi-material supply
chain product such as a double glazing unit.
There are inherent difficulties in dealing with
a comparatively large number of
stakeholders, especially when there may be a
changing population in the often smaller,
downstream organisations upon which final
certification and relatively larger cost and
environmental obligations may rest. This may
render continued and consistent certification
difficult.
BES 6001 will be reviewed in 2013 and the
group will work closely with the review panel
to try to resolve this issue.
The flat glass industry continues to drive
responsible sourcing forward. We have been
working with the other material sectors,
GGF, the UK Contractors Group and others.
We thank our partners for their positive
input to the process.
4 http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13438-windows-101019.pdf
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Table 1 Actions for overarching challenges across the windows sector (continued)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Progress
OC2 - Responsible
sourcing scheme for
PVC
Responsible sourcing
standards for all main
windows components
required before responsible
sourcing standard for
windows is possible.
Agreement as to preferred
approach.
British Plastics
Federation
(BPF)
Significant progress was made during 2012
with a draft European PVC Responsible
Sourcing standard prepared through a unique
partnership between VinylPlus, BRE and The
Natural Step. The draft standard is based on
a combination of BES 6001 criteria combined
with additional VinylPlus sustainability
challenges
Current Status:
During 2013 the draft standard will be
piloted by a range of companies from
various PVC sectors including those
producing windows and doors
The standard will be critically assessed
by third party endorsers
It is anticipated that the standard will be
formally launched during 2013
OC3 - Responsible
sourcing scheme for
aluminium
Continue to work globally
to develop and implement a
responsible aluminium
scheme.
Council for
Aluminium in
Building (CAB)
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)
launched in 2012 has been spearheaded by
several industry players with the support of
the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN).
ASI’s first goal is to develop the ASI Standard
to foster responsible resource management
of aluminium through the entire value chain.
The Standard will define principles and
performance criteria in the area of
governance, environmental and social
practices. It will be applicable for all stages of
aluminium production and transformation,
specifically: bauxite mining, alumina refinery,
primary aluminium production, semi-
fabrication (rolling, extrusion, forging, and
foundry) as well as refining and remelting of
recycled scrap. It will also include a chain of
custody mechanism to allow a coherent and
integrated linkage of information between the
different stages of the value chain.
It is forecast that the Standard will be
developed by the end of 2014; see
www.aluminium-stewardship.org
OC4 - Further
increase in
responsibly sourced
timber
Further progress the use of
timber from independently
certified sustainably
managed sources, for
example through recruiting
more manufacturers to the
Timber Window
Accreditation Scheme and
Wood Window Alliance.
British
Woodworking
Federation
(BWF)
The BWF offers advice and guidance
documents to ensure that companies are able
to meet the new requirements of the EU
timber regulation, which comes into force in
March 2013 and will ban the placing of illegal
timber on the EU market, in addition to
providing publications to assist manufacturers
in meeting the performance standards set out
in the Green Deal.
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Table 1 Actions for overarching challenges across the windows sector (continued)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Progress
OC5 - Durability
and service life of
windows
Raise awareness of
durability and actual service
life of windows through the
following methods where
relevant to WSP members:
Publicise conclusions
of research into the
durability of factory
finished timber
windows to encourage
fabrication of more
durable windows
through the adoption
of best practice;
Awareness raising of
actual service life of
PVC-U windows
fabricated in line with
BPF Codes of Practice
for Fabricators;
Use of Green Guide to
raise awareness, and
provide evidence for
update of service life
predictions in BRE
Green Guide for
Specification;
Issue of case study
reports;
Provide detailed
technical document
for use by specifiers,
clients and consumers.
WSP members CAB has sponsored two case studies on
‘Aluminium and Durability’ by the
Department of Architecture & Built
Environment at Nottingham University in
order to better understand and quantify
aluminium's life expectancy in buildings.
The work with the University also included
sponsorship of the ‘Prototyping Architecture’
Exhibition at the Building Centre, London
during Q1, 2013.
CAB continues to highlight aluminium’s
longevity; for example, over 200 windows
installed 73 years ago in the New University
Library at Oxford University http://www.c-a-
b.org.uk/why-aluminium/aluminium-longevity/
Timber windows – the conclusions of work
undertaken by Imperial College London on
the durability and service life of wood
windows has been widely promoted by the
Wood Window Alliance via the internet, TV
advertising and in guides to help in the
specification of long-life, high performance
wood windows.
Since October 2010 further work has been
commissioned by WWA with Heriot Watt
University to include wood/aluminium
composite windows and modified timber
windows. Results reported in 2012 showed a
range of service life estimates for each
material in a variety of weather exposure
conditions and various maintenance
scenarios. The results were reported at
Timber Expo Sept 2012 and are available to
view on the WWA website.
The BPF continues to actively promote a
minimum service life of 35 years as
independently verified by BRE for windows
fabricated from PVC profiles and through
various events for its members and their
downstream fabricators.5
5
http://www.bpf.co.uk/Windows/Enviromental_Matters/Life_of_a_PVC_U_Window.aspx
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Table 1 Actions for overarching challenges across the windows sector (continued)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Progress
OC6 - Repair and
refurbishment of
windows
Investigate the practicalities
and economics of the repair
and refurbishment of
different window types
instead of direct
replacement.
WSP members Research published in 2012 assessed the
service life of a window during the lifespan of
a building in a variety of weather exposure
conditions and varying maintenance
scenarios.
A guide to repairing, replicating and replacing
wood windows continues to be circulated for
windows in buildings in conservation areas.
Improved durability is linked to better timber
substrate procurement and factory-applied
decorative treatments – also see action T2,
Table 7.
The BPF has prepared a powerpoint
presentation on the repairability of PVC
window frames which is available to both
members and fabricators. Details can be
obtained from the British Plastics Federation.
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4. Optimised glazing
The energy performance of windows predominates in terms of reducing environmental impact
generally. Design, engineering and quality of the window fabrication play important parts in producing
an energy efficient window.
Table 2 Sustainable actions for optimised glazing (OG)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
OG1 -
Environmental
costs and benefits
of different glazing
options
To prepare an outline project
proposal to undertake an
objective assessment of the
environmental costs and
benefits of different glazing
options. To include:
LCA comparison of
double versus triple
glazing;
review of specifications
used in Europe compared
to climatic assumptions;
and
review of new
technologies/products and
optimal application in
buildings.
Building Research
Establishment
(BRE)
In 2012 British Glass, the flat glass
manufacturers and BRE submitted a joint
proposal with joint funding to the BRE
Trust and the NHBC Foundation which
included a comparison of different glazing
options. Unfortunately this was not
successful. We are seeking other sources
of funding to carry out this study.
Saint Gobain Glass has become the first
glass producer in the world to publish
Environmental Product Declarations
(EPD) for their products. EPD is a
comprehensive, third party verified life
cycle analysis. http://epd.saint-gobain-
glass.com/
A life cycle analysis has been completed
by Glass For Europe to determine the
environmental impact of applying
thermally efficient coatings on glass.
OG2 - Improved
thermal comfort of
windows
Evaluate the effects of trickle
vents on thermal comfort to
provide evidence for a possible
revision of Part F (ventilation)6
Glass and Glazing
Federation (GGF)
During the consultations for the 2010
Building Regulations a cost–benefit
analysis relating to the inclusion of trickle
ventilators in all windows was undertaken.
This analysis showed that the installation
of trickle ventilators in all windows did
not meet the criteria in terms of cost and
benefit. This analysis is still current and
therefore no changes to the current
requirements relating to new build and
replacement windows will be made.
6 This was originally identified to be done by 2013; Part F is not due to be changed.
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Table 2 Sustainable actions for optimised glazing (continued)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
OG3 - In situ
assessment of
window
performance
Develop site-based test to
assess the U & g value of
windows as installed, for use by
building control officers and
CSH/BREEAM assessment.
GGF / BRE The site measurement of overall window
U-value is not a realistic goal; it is
impossible to measure framing U-values
and the effects at the insulating glass unit
(IGU) edge. The only way a window’s U-
value can be determined is by hot-box
testing or simulation. Equipment to
determine the presence of and density of
cavity gases and emissivity values of the
installed glass is being assessed. The g-
value of glass cannot be effectively
determined on site.
The issue regarding site measurement is
also one of cost; the equipment required
is relatively expensive and inspectors
would need equipment probably valued at
£10,000 or more to check these
characteristics.
Based on the above, the only method of
determining the U-value of installed
windows will be a paper trail to confirm
that the specification required has in fact
been supplied and installed.
OG4 - Potential to
exploit solar gain
Explore different mechanisms
that could store energy from
solar gain that has been
captured through potential
future advances in glazing
technologies (e.g. by turning
the building’s floors and walls
into storage radiators).
WSP members No further progress in 2012.
OG5 - Recycling of
flat glass across the
supply chain and at
end of life
Provide information on
recycling, maintaining quality
and where to send glass for
recycling.
WRAP /
Environment
Agency
End of Waste Criteria for glass were
published by the EU on 10 December
2012. The UK has 6 months to implement
the relevant Regulation into UK
legislation.
Glass for Europe recently started
discussions with the European
Commission about the best way to
manage demolition glass waste.
OG6 - Pallet
Repatriation Action
Plan
Change or make
new action
The relevant actions from the
Pallet Repatriation Action Plan
should be adopted and
promoted by window suppliers
to improve the repatriation of
wooden pallets for reuse.
WRAP
now delivered by
the Construction
Products
Association
The pallet action group did not relaunch.
This action is now closed. See new action
OG7 below, which will include a pallet
review within the resource efficiency
review.
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Table 2 Sustainable actions for optimised glazing (continued)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
OG7 - (NEW)
Manufacturers to
undertake
Resource Efficiency
Reviews
One manufacturer each from
glass, timber, PVC and
aluminium should undergo a
Resource Efficiency Review by
end 2013 and the savings
across financial, CO2 and waste
will be consolidated for the
annual report next year.
WRAP / WSP
members
WRAP has launched a project on
construction product resource efficiency
reviews and a presentation was made to
the Windows Sustainability Partnership in
December 2012, with interest already
shown by manufacturers and suppliers.
This will look to improve resource
efficiency of a product by reviewing the
manufacturing and supply chain process
which will include considerations of
packaging.
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5 VinylPlus
VinylPlus is now into its second year of commitments across the whole of the European
PVC industry.7 A number of significant targets were achieved during its first year, with
continued emphasis on recycling. This initiative builds on the successes of the previous
commitment with significantly increased targets. For example, an overall recycling target of
800,000 tonnes per annum has been set for PVC by 2020, compared to 200,000 tonnes per
annum in Vinyl 2010. A striking difference with the new initiative is a partnership with The
Natural Step,8 which under the guidance of their system conditions, has led to the
development of 5 key sustainability challenges for PVC including:
1. Controlled-loop recycling management
2. Addressing organochlorine emissions
3. Sustainable use of additives used in PVC
4. Sustainable energy use
5. Sustainability awareness
Each of the above challenges has a sub-set of targets which have been developed to guide
the industry towards meeting its sustainability objectives. An annual report highlighting
progress is published in April and the Progress Report for 2012 can be downloaded from
the link given below.9
7 http://www.vinylplus.eu/en_GB/
8 http://www.naturalstep.org/ 9 http://www.vinylplus.eu/uploads/Modules/Publications/vinylplus_progressreport_2012.pdf
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Table 3 Sustainable actions for PVC
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
P1 - Post vinyl
2010 – Vinyl 2020.
NB: now called
VinylPlus10
A new voluntary
commitment process,
begun in 2010.
British Plastics
Federation
(BPF)
VinylPlus Progress report for 2012 included
the following achievements:
A total of 257,084 tonnes of post-
consumer PVC were recycled across Europe.
The UK contributed 48,554 tonnes of
post-consumer PVC, of which 25,479 tonnes
were directly from post-consumer windows
and profiles. This annual tonnage represents
over one million post-consumer PVC window
frames which have been diverted from landfill.
This recyclate has been re-extruded into new
profiles.11
81.8% reduction of Pb stabilisers was
achieved in 2011 (compared to 2000) with a
complete phase-out by 2015 on target.
An independent monitoring committee
has been established to ensure the
transparency and accountability of the VinylPlus
commitment.
P2 - Dissemination
of PVC Carbon
Footprinting and
Sustainability Tool
Tool freely available for
downloading
BPF The CCaLC tool has been used by the industry to
undertake calculations which have helped quantify
how the environmental footprint of vinyl products
can be significantly lowered by the incorporation
of recycled PVC, as well as to calculate the
environmental impacts with the use of different
additives.
During 2013 a request will be made to the
VinylPlus Sustainable Additives team for the tool
to be updated with raw materials for which the
industry currently does not have adequate data,
including stabilisers and plasticisers
The tool continues to be downloaded with 192
downloads to date specifically for the PVC tool
and 3,046 downloads for the main CCaLC
software.
More details are available from the link given
below.12
10 Originally this action was ‘Post vinyl 2010 – Vinyl 2020’. VinylPlus is the updated name. 11 http://www.bpf.co.uk/Article/Detail.aspx?ArticleUid=39d8689b-f681-4e04-b427-202c98d22605 12 www.ccalc.org.uk/pvcsustainability.php
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6. Aluminium for Future Generations
The global nature of the aluminium value chain means that fostering sustainability within the
aluminium industry and its products requires international collaboration. The key
organisations involved in the work include the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB), the
European Aluminium Association (EAA) and the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).
In order to manage environmental impacts, there is a need to measure and report them accurately.
Hence the IAI produces an annual global sustainability report and five-yearly life cycle inventory report,
detailing latest performance data. At the regional level, the EAA has produced its latest ‘Environmental
Profile Report’13, which presents the development of robust European Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
datasets for the production of primary and recycled aluminium ingots and for the transformation of
aluminium ingots into semi-finished products, i.e. sheet, foil and extruded products. Further
development of global and European LCI data for aluminium, and their use in accessible and
transparent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modelling is a priority for this sector (Table 6, Action A1).
The aluminium industry, through the IAI in conjunction with leading Associations, including CAB, has
established a number of sustainability objectives (including energy and greenhouse gas emissions
reduction), summarised in Table 4. Progress relating to the objectives is reported annually by the
global industry, including China (which represents over 40% of aluminium production), and will be
disseminated widely to those in the aluminium windows supply chain (Table 6, Action A2).
Around 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in productive use, as a result of high recycling rates
(between 92 and 98% for architectural aluminium; see http://greenbuilding.world-aluminium.org) and
the long lifetime of aluminium products, particularly in the building and construction sector. Recycling
aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce aluminium from bauxite, which means it
has a high value as a recyclate. This high value should ensure that similarly high recycling rates are
maintained
13 http://www.alueurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/EAA_Environmental_profile_report-May081.pdf
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Table 4 Aluminium sector existing sustainable development objectives and initiatives
Impact IAI Existing
Objectives
Latest Performance
Energy used in raw
material production
10% reduction in
smelter electrical
energy per tonne
aluminium by 2010,
from 1990
8% reduction in AC electrical energy globally 1990–2011
http://world-aluminium.org/statistics/primary-aluminium-
smelting-energy-intensity/#linegraph
10% reduction in
energy use per tonne
of alumina by 2020,
from 2006
8% reduction, 2006–2011
http://world-aluminium.org/statistics/metallurgical-alumina-
refining-bayer-process-energy-intensity/#linegraph
Other impacts of raw
material
Elimination of
perfluorocarbon (PFC)
in the long term; 50%
per tonne reduction
on 2006 baseline by
2020
25% reduction, 2006–20110
2011 Anode Effect Survey14
Increase the
proportion of bauxite
mining land
rehabilitated annually
Annual rehabilitation area of existing bauxite mining areas is
equal to the average annual area being opened up. In this
steady state environment, bauxite mining is ‘land area footprint
neutral’ and sustainable.
4th Sustainable Bauxite Mining Report: http://world-
aluminium.org/media/filer_public/2013/01/15/none_23
The Aluminium Story: Bauxite & Alumina: http://bauxite.world-
aluminium.org
End of life impacts Report regularly on
global recycling
performance
11 million tonnes recovered globally from used products in
2011 :
The Aluminium Story: Recycling http://recycling.world-
aluminium.org
Recycling of aluminium
cans to reach 75% by
2015
73% recycling rate reached globally by 2011:
http://packaging.world-aluminium.org
The Aluminium Story: Packaging: http://packaging.world-
aluminium.org
14 http://world-
aluminium.org/media/filer_public/2013/01/15/the_aluminium_industrys_global_perfluorocarbon_gas_emissions_reduction_programmeresults_of_the_2011_anode_effect_survey_1.pdf
19
Table 5 Aluminium sector new sustainable development objectives and latest performance
Impact IAI New Objectives Latest Performance
Energy used in raw material
production
5% reduction in smelter electrical energy per
tonne aluminium by 2020 from 2006.
3% reduction in DC electrical
energy, 2006–2011.
http://world-
aluminium.org/statistics/primary-
aluminium-smelting-energy-
intensity/#linegraph
Other impacts of raw
material
35% reduction globally in fluoride emissions
per tonne aluminium by 2020 from 2006.
Bauxite residue management objectives:
Assured integrity of current residue
storage facilities;
Provision of industry-based support;
Best practice management;
Conclusion of bauxite residue solids
disposal to marine & aquatic
environment;
Improved technology.
24% reduction, 2006–2011.
The Aluminium Story: Primary
Production: http://primary.world-
aluminium.org
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Table 6 Sustainable actions for Aluminium
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
A1 - Update and
publicise Aluminium’s
generic
Environmental
Profiles
Update Aluminium’s
generic Environmental
Profiles (BRE) using
data supplied by
EAA and IAI.
CAB Aluminium’s generic environmental profiles were
updated in the BRE Green Guide online on 8
August 2012.
Aluminium powder coated windows can now
achieve the following ratings:
‘A+’ Rating (for all commercial windows
< 0.9kg/m)
‘A’ Rating (for all commercial windows <
1.5kg/m)
‘A’ Rating (for all domestic windows <
1.08kg/m)
‘B’ Rating (for all domestic windows
>1.08kg/m).
Ratings can be viewed on the BRE Green Guide
website:
http://www.bre.co.uk/greenguide/podpage.jsp?id=
2126.
A2 - Update Defra
on progress in global
sustainable
development
commitments &
global and European
LCI data
Report on progress of
global actions to meet
energy, waste and
greenhouse gas
emission reduction
objectives in the
Sustainable
Development Indicator
report produced by
IAI every year. Raise
awareness in the UK.
CAB See key progress updates in
Table 4: Existing Objectives & Table 5: New
Objectives.
A full global primary aluminium LCI data update
(2010) will be available as part of ecoInvent
version 3 http://www.ecoinvent.org/ecoinvent-v3/
European LCI data (2010), including downstream
processes will be available in 2013 from the
European Aluminium Association:
http://www.alueurope.eu/
The International Aluminium Institute has launched
the full suite of Aluminium Story websites, with
statistical and case study information on the
production, markets and use and recycling of
aluminium products
(www.thealuminiumstory.com)
21
7. Timber Resource Efficiency
For timber the efficient use of the material and the monitoring of improved use of resources has
continued. The use of engineered timber (finger-jointed and laminated) components has been helped
by the introduction of a standard range of sizes, developed in conjunction with the Wood Window
Alliance, and made available through an increased number of distributors. The range has now been
promoted to the WWA, BWF and TTF members. TREP, the Timber Resource and Efficiency
Partnership, has also helped in contributing to a study into the feasibility of collection hubs for wood
waste, now published by WRAP.
Table 7 Sustainable actions for timber windows
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
T1 - Progress against
Joinery Resource
Efficiency Action Plan
targets and actions
Progress reporting linked to
the joinery sector and
windows will help steer and
improve timber resource
efficiency in the timber
windows sector.
BWF / TREP The custodian of the Joinery Resource
Efficiency Action Plan is the Timber
Resource Efficiency Partnership (TREP), a
partnership of representatives from
across the timber industry.
Activities undertaken in the past 12
months include:
1. Work to establish the feasibility of
wood waste collection hubs in
conjunction with CO2Sense and
TRADA;
2. Evidence gathering and input into
the Defra call for evidence on wood
waste landfill restrictions in order to
draw up options aimed at ensuring
that wood waste is managed in a
way that delivers the best outcome
for both the environment and the
economy;
3. The original ‘Timber Accord’ has
been widened to become the UK
Timber Industry Associations’
Accord and will encourage greater
cooperation on a series of timber-
related projects across the industry.
22
Table 7 Sustainable actions for timber windows (continued)
Action Implementation Lead
Coordinator
Status
T2 - Efficient use of
timber
Further increase the use of
finger jointing and laminated
sections, computer aided
cutting and material
optimisation. Key elements
could include:
Working group
established to steer work;
Cost–benefit analysis and
case study development;
Capacity building and
awareness raising; and
Training and mentoring
business support.
BWF The working group set up to steer this
work under the auspices of the Wood
Window Alliance has completed its
project.
A range of engineered components suited
to window manufacture has been
introduced through a number of national
timber and builders merchants, and the
range increased to include vertical sliding
sash window sections
T3 - Reduce
hazardous and non-
recyclable paint
packaging waste
Window manufacturers should
be advised by BWF to use
water-based paints and
coatings. Also, develop
methodology and scheme to
reduce the impact of
contaminated and/or non-
returnable packaging of paint.
First stage is to determine
current practices with window
manufacturers and paint
suppliers, and to see what is
possible in terms of best
practice.
BWF With more and more timber windows
being supplied fully finished and factory
assembled, and a new standard (BS
644:2012), there is more consistency in
choice of paint and efficient mechanisms
to deal with packaging waste are
becoming more commonplace.
BWF is, through the Wood Industry
Training Forum (WIT Forum), currently
producing a training qualification to
embrace painting and spraying. In addition
to core competency, resource efficiency
and sustainable practices will be a focus.
This is anticipated to be launched in 2013. The issue of reducing paint packaging
waste is to be completed.
23
Appendix A: Windows Supply Chain Diagrams
Flat Glass Production
PVC Supply Chain
24
Timber Supply Chain
The Aluminium Product life cycle
Source: European Aluminium Association
25
Appendix B: Windows Sustainability Partnership
Constitution
Windows Sustainability Partnership: Constitution
Purpose
The purpose of the Windows Sustainability Partnership (WSP) is to improve the sustainability of windows through
both practical action and through influencing and partnering with other members within the supply chain both
upstream and downstream.
The WSP recognises the critical role that windows can play in reducing the overall environmental impact of
buildings throughout their lifetime, as well as the sustainability of windows themselves. The WSP will use their
combined knowledge to develop and implement practical and coordinated strategies for sustainability.
This includes economic and social as well as environmental impacts.
Membership
Membership of the WSP is open to any company or trade association whose members are involved in the
production, distribution, installation and disposal of windows as well as the relevant government departments,
regulatory agencies and delivery bodies.
Chair and Deputy Chair
The Partnership will appoint a Chair and Deputy Chair. The post of Chair and Deputy Chair will be for one year
only and will alternate between industry and government/regulators.
Secretariat
The Secretariat will be responsible for maintaining the list of WSP members and their contact details, of liaising
with the Chair to decide the agenda of meetings, for circulating relevant papers and minutes of meetings.
Communications
The Partnership will meet at minimum twice a year to discuss relevant sustainability issues relating to windows,
and the implementation, monitoring and review of the Windows Sustainability Action Plan. At least one meeting per
year will be dedicated to a ‘Review of the Action Plan’ to capture not only progress but the need for actions to be
added or amended. This will benefit from work in advance of the review meeting to update evidence and provide
a quantification of progress, as applicable, for each action.
ii