| re of us begin to worry about our carbon | | | | plants aids air purification. Often overlooked but an |
| footprint, employers and householders are | | | | effective measure is to simply check your |
| increasingly realising that | | | | systems’ timers are adjusted to the |
| “sustainability” is becoming a very | | | | optimum for how the building is actually used. |
| hot topic, both in the working environment, and | | | | Windows and doors that have the largest |
| the home. | | | | expanse of glass will naturally allow more light into |
| Mark Austin, Marketing Director for leading home | | | | the home and workplace, and therefore benefit |
| improvement specialists Hazlemere Windows, | | | | the most from “solar gain”. Heat |
| Doors & Conservatories says: “This | | | | gained in this way reduces reliance on central |
| is a subject that is growing in importance to | | | | heating, reducing both costs and emissions. |
| employers. Thinking more about the future today | | | | Last year Hazlemere Windows, Doors and |
| is now an essential part of the planning process | | | | Conservatories became the first company in the |
| for businesses, as it can affect staff productivity, | | | | UK to design, manufacture, supply and install a |
| if the right impression is not given in the | | | | dual frame aluminium window system that |
| workplace.” | | | | achieved an ‘A’ Window Energy |
| As Mark says, “with the majority of us in | | | | Rating from the Energy Saving Trust, who |
| the UK being householders we all realise the | | | | estimate that up to 20% of energy lost through |
| importance of protecting the environment for | | | | un-insulated homes is through windows. |
| future generations, but thinking | | | | Hazlemere’s Eco-friendly windows are |
| “green” at work will improve a | | | | made from aluminium which has a positive |
| company’s image, reduce its operating | | | | environmental effect. Apart from having a long life |
| costs and impact positively on productivity with a | | | | in use, once aluminium reaches the end of its life it |
| happier, healthier workforce. Plus there is 100% | | | | can be infinitely recycled. Recycling aluminium uses |
| enhanced capital allowance in the first tax year on | | | | just 5% of the energy needed to produce the |
| investments in energy saving equipment.” | | | | original material, plus the finished product has all of |
| Some simple steps can help greatly with reducing | | | | the same qualities as the original, so can be |
| energy usage. By using high efficiency fluorescent | | | | recycled time and again. |
| lights, more of the consumed energy is converted | | | | Pilkington manufacture a self-cleaning glass which |
| to usable light and less to heat, which also means | | | | is excellent for the environment, as only small |
| less work for air conditioning units. Dimmable and | | | | amounts of cleaning agents are ever needed. This |
| individual controls help to reduce unnecessary | | | | highly efficient self-cleaning glass called |
| usage, or consider automatic switching by | | | | “Pilkington Activ” can be combined |
| movement sensor in open plan areas where | | | | with other glass products in insulating glass units |
| practical. You can also lower energy use by | | | | to provide benefits such as thermal insulation, |
| making the most of the natural light available, | | | | noise reduction, solar control and fire protection. |
| rather than relying totally on artificial lighting. | | | | Other ways to reduce your carbon footprint |
| Having well insulated windows and doors can | | | | include fitting washrooms with efficient low flush |
| make a vast difference to premises as each part | | | | toilets, reduced flow taps and sensor taps to |
| of a window and/or door contributes to its overall | | | | save on water consumption. Purchase energy |
| insulation, dependent on their quality, design of the | | | | efficient kitchen equipment as appliances are |
| seals and the thermal performance of the frames | | | | replaced and even simpler; avoid overfilling kettles |
| and type of double glazed unit. | | | | when preparing tea and coffee. Ensure any |
| A building prone to heat gain can reduce reliance | | | | furniture you purchase is hardwearing and easy to |
| on the cooling system with the use of specialist | | | | maintain to ensure longevity plus do your bit for |
| paints. You could always go literally | | | | the environment/ those less fortunate by |
| “greener”, the right trees and | | | | donating unwanted furniture, IT equipment and |
| shrubs outside can provide shade for a building | | | | appliances to charity. So don’t be mean |
| where heat gain is a problem and of course indoor | | | | “go green”. |