VELFAC ENVIRONMENT STATEMENT 2011

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1 VELFAC LTD The Old Livery Hildersham Cambridge CB21 6DR Telephone: Fax: VELFAC recognises the need to limit our impact on the environment, and this philosophy lies at the heart of all that the company does. VELFAC has also undertaken a cradle to grave analysis of window performance, with the results published as an Environmental Declaration. This document contains an analysis of all materials used in window production, and gives a measure of environmental impact over the window s life. Please call us on to request a copy. How can VELFAC Windows Contribute? U-values VELFAC windows use low-e double-glazed units with argon filled cavities and soft low-e coatings as standard. The European test window size of 1230mm x 1480mm achieves a U-value of 1.55W/m 2 k. Improvements can be made by using different combinations of additional low-e coatings, Krypton gas, Warmedge spacer profiles and triple glazing, where U-values as low as 0.90 W/m 2 k are achievable. We can also provide excellent documentary evidence in the form of a data sheet, which details all individual U-values for each window unit, and an area weighted U-value for the project. Slim frame design The 54mm profile of VELFAC windows means that we use less wood and aluminium in the frame components than some of our competitors, and the slim sightlines allow up to 15% more light to enter, providing better daylighting contributions. Security VELFAC windows are internally beaded, which means the glass cannot be removed from the outside, and the aluminium sash is designed to withstand even the most determined criminal. VELFAC windows have passed BS7950 tests and are third party certified for Secured by Design. Use VELFAC can supply full and detailed Operation and Maintenance information for the end client, and a pictorial User Guide for end users. Window sizes and opening functions can be specified to provide Lifetime Homes capability. 1/5

2 Life VELFAC glazing systems have an independently assessed design life in excess of 40 years. This durability has been earned through constant development aided by stringent analysis at official testing institutes, which has produced a portfolio of British and European performance standards. And just to leave no room for doubt, VELFAC offers a comprehensive warranty of 12 years on windows and double-glazed units, one of the best on offer from any window supplier. Responsibly sourced materials All wood is sourced from sustainable sources All wood treatments are water based Approximately 50% of aluminium used in production of VELFAC profiles is from recycled sources, and 85% is produced using hydroelectricity. VELFAC suppliers have an accredited Environmental Management and Audit System and are ISO14001 accredited. VELFAC manufacturing facilities are also ISO14001 accredited, providing more evidence of responsible management Responsible energy management Timber off-cuts are added to the factory furnace to help the heating during the winter Aluminium and glass wastage is returned for re-cycling Local electricity generated using wind turbines contributes to the main manufacturing facility All artificial lighting levels to offices are controlled by local movement of personnel Water used in the manufacturing processes is re-cycled All VELFAC windows are made to order. When a window is input to the ordering system, a subsequent order is made to our suppliers for precise amounts of materials, which will be used during the manufacture. No materials are kept on stock minimising waste We have a defined product range, within which are standardised options for all glass, fixtures and fittings We have a comprehensive range of standard interface details, which give standard trusted solutions to a variety of structures, interfaces and facades, and are designed to minimise materials and complexity 2/5

3 The Green Guide to Specification The current version of the Green Guide (available on the web) details ratings for generic window types only - they don t give specific ratings for individual products. The following generic window types represent VELFAC windows: Commercial window ratings are relevant for the following building types: Health, Offices, Retail, Industrial, Education, Multi-storey Residential Domestic window ratings are intended for housing, but can also be used for low-rise domestic scale construction for other building types. BREEAM & the Code for Sustainable Homes The Green Guide offers a number of Points, which must then be converted in to Credits to calculate the contribution to the overall score. The table below details how the Points awarded for windows converts in to Credits. The total number of credits available for each category within the Code and BREEAM is multiplied by a Weighting Factor to determine the points score. These Weighting Factors reflect the relative importance of each of the issues covered. A total of 15 Credits are available in the Materials category, where 3 are awarded for each of the 5 key elements of the building: Roof, External Walls, Internal Walls, Floors (including separating floors) & Windows. The credits are scored using the Green Guide where ratings are from A+ to E: Green Guide Rating Points BREEAM Credits * CSH Credits A A B C D E * BREEAM credits are estimated on points conversion tables included within Assessor Guides N.B. from Green Guide website: The main environmental impact of windows is from the heat loss through them. Attention is drawn to the large number of credits available in BREEAM, the Code for Sustainable Homes and EcoHomes for reducing fabric heat loss and improving operational CO 2 emissions compared to the small number available for materials specification. The embodied impact of windows should only be taken into account as a small part of the decision, with the main emphasis being to choose a window which will reduce operational energy usage. 3/5

4 Example Projects Blue Planet Project Type: Offices and warehouse Architect: Hopkins Architects BREEAM Rating: Outstanding This is the only BREEAM Outstanding rated project currently in the UK Whitecross School Project Type: School Architect: Haverstock Associates Luton Innovation Centre Project Type: Offices and research Architect: Hopkins Architects 4/5

5 Lock Lomond National Park Authority Project Type: Offices Architect: Page & Park Architects Wansey Street, London Project Type: Housing Architect: De Rijke Marsh Morgan EcoHomes Rating: Excellent Kingsmead School, Cheshire Project Type: School Architect: White Design 5/5