GGF takes over Window Energy Ratings from BFRC

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) will now be managing and developing the work started by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) in the area of Window Energy Ratings. The new company will be known as BFRC Limited.

Window Energy Ratings (WERs), originated and managed by the British Fenestration Council, has become probably the hottest topic in the industry.

From its inception in 1997 and market launch in 2005, the scheme has been largely administered and operated by the Chairman, Kevin Cubbage, and the Project Manager, Dr Robin Kent. The recent rapid growth and means that the BFRC now needs extra resources to continue growing and developing WERs.

The operations of the BFRC have been transferred to a new company, the British Fenestration Rating Council Limited. The new company will be managed by the GGF and this will enable increased marketing, technical and administrative support for the future growth of Window Energy Ratings and the possibility of its integration into both the Building Regulations approvals systems operated by FENSA and other GGF operations.

Replacing U values?

Window Energy Ratings has gained greater acceptance from the industry since April, when the system was included in the Building Regulations. The GGF expects that by the next revision to Document L of the Building Regulations in 2010, Window Energy Ratings will have replaced U values.

There are now 64 windows registered by companies eager to exploit the sales benefits of the familiar Energy Efficiency swing tag logo, also seen on white goods. The scheme does not favour frame type, evidenced by the "A" ratings recently achieved by timber and aluminium windows,

Ratings are calculated by computer simulation; there are 24 BFRC-certified simulators, while the BBA and BM Trada are the two independent agencies that verify the ratings.

It costs companies £100 for their first rating, which includes entry on www.bfrc.org and a licence to use the swing tag logo. Subsequent ratings cost £50 per window configuration, per year.

Robert Aitken, Home Improvement Executive, GGF is the Chairman of the new company. He said at the press conference: "I am proud to be the first Chair of the new BFRC Ltd and I look forward to continuing the pioneering work initiated by Kevin and Robin."

Kevin Cubbage and Dr Robin Kent will now pursue consultancy work.