Cautious optimism from
GGF following Autumn Budget 2017

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) confirmed it was ‘cautiously optimistic’ following announcements regarding UK housebuilding in the Autumn Budget 2017 last month.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond announced capital investment of £44bn over the next five years to underpin the UK government’s aim to deliver 300,000 new homes per year by the middle of the next decade.

Furthermore, the Chancellor confirmed £630m investment in a Small Sites Fund to support the delivery of 40,000 homes across more modest, bespoke developments.

While the GGF is encouraged by those investment figures, the Federation believes more action is required to ensure the UK meets its 300,000 new homes target per year. It voiced concerns about the lack of measures to increase the energy efficient of British households, citing the need for a ‘Whole House Approach’ to ensure new and existing properties are energy efficient and capable of keeping residents warm during the winter months.

The GGF claims that to keep carbon emissions lower for new and existing homes, tackle fuel poverty and help reduce energy bills for homeowners, the government should invest in energy efficient glass and glazing products for properties nationwide.

Phil Pluck, chief executive, GGF Group, said: “While we welcome the government’s drive to build 300,000 homes per year, there is some way to go before we realise this objective.

“Our members are integral to the construction industry, and we will continue to work with government, so they full appreciate the existing barriers to building more homes.

“Further, we are disappointed the government did not provide additional funding for energy efficient measures in the UK’s domestic and non-domestic housing stock.

“It is vital the poor performance of the UK housing stock is urgently improved. The Chancellor announced crackdowns on diesel vehicles, but must also recognise the contribution that energy efficient buildings can make to reducing carbon emissions.”

It has been scientifically proven that flat roof skylights are an effective choice for sustainable homebuilding design. By installing an appropriate level of skylights above living areas, this can lower energy consumption for properties and the associated carbon dioxide emissions.

Furthermore, Sunsquare’s thermally broken skylights offer unrivalled thermal performance, retaining heat in the winter months. Our glazing specifications include solar control glazing, which can also reflect the sun’s UV rays in the summer to prevent solar gain. Flat roof skylights can certainly play a key role in improving the performance of domestic and non-domestic housing stock during the years to come.