Council's carbon windows

A major new initiative to upgrade the environmental performance of homes in Scotland - and save on heating costs for tenants - has been launched.

Fife Council is the first council in the UK to pioneer the use of ultra high performance award-winning windows in its existing council homes. Working in partnership with Cumbernauld window manufacturers CMS Enviro Systems Ltd and UK window systems company L.B. Plastics, Fife Council is installing a zero carbon triple glazed window in a pilot scheme in Glenrothes.

The Fife pilot could drive major specification changes as window replacement programmes are developed over the coming years for the remaining housing stock. Other Scottish Councils are showing interest in this new technology and are being actively encouraged to follow Fife's lead.

The new windows are another step towards Fife's aim of becoming the leading green council.

"Fife Council is acutely aware of its sustainability responsibilities and this particular project has the potential to make a significant contribution to the green agenda," said Building Services Commercial Manager John Rodigan. "With much focus on building energy efficient new housing it is important we don't forget the importance of upgrading our existing housing stock to zero carbon standards as well. The savings in energy costs for tenants and carbon emissions for the environment cannot be overstated".

Glenrothes Councillor Ross Vettraino, Vice-Chair of the Council's Environment, Enterprise and Transportation Committee, joined the Building Services fitting team at Dura Park in Glenrothes to see the first Sheerframe HED window installed. Commenting on the initiative he said: "Fife Council is immensely proud of its commitment to sustainability and this is another major step in the process of ensuring that we continue to lead the way in green thinking for the benefit of the planet as a whole and to the direct benefit of the people of Fife."

Current building regulations require windows to achieve a u-value rating of 1.8wm2K. By specifying zero carbon windows Fife Council can improve the carbon footprint of its existing dwellings without major additional building works. It is estimated the Council will save 2.5tonnes of CO2 per dwelling each year with Sheerframe zero carbon windows at 0.8 wm2K, and that tenants will save £300 per year in reduced energy bills. The windows are also wholly recyclable at the end of their expected 35 year lifecycle, adding to their green credentials.

CMS Enviro Systems have supplied the first zero carbon Sheerframe windows, including tilt&turns, fixed lights and opening casement windows at the 1960s three bedroom villa in Dura Park, Glenrothes.

The Sheerframe HED windows are calcium organic stabilised and heavy metal free, and wholly recyclable at the end of their expected 35 year lifecycle, adding to their green credentials.

It can be seen from the Thermogram that the temperatures across the original glazing and frame are much warmer compared to the surrounding wall surface temperatures.

The Thermographic image above highlights the improved thermal performance being delivered by the new Triple-Pane Glazed replacement window unit.