| As more of us begin to worry about our carbon | | | | check your systems' timers are adjusted to the |
| footprint, employers and householders are | | | | optimum for how the building is actually used. |
| increasingly realising that "sustainability" is becoming | | | | Windows and doors that have the largest |
| a very hot topic, both in the working | | | | expanse of glass will naturally allow more light into |
| environment, and the home. | | | | the home and workplace, and therefore benefit |
| Mark Austin, Marketing Director for leading home | | | | the most from "solar gain". Heat gained in this |
| improvement specialists Hazlemere Windows, | | | | way reduces reliance on central heating, reducing |
| Doors & Conservatories says: "This is a | | | | both costs and emissions. |
| subject that is growing in importance to | | | | Last year Hazlemere Windows, Doors and |
| employers. Thinking more about the future today | | | | Conservatories became the first company in the |
| is now an essential part of the planning process | | | | UK to design, manufacture, supply and install a |
| for businesses, as it can affect staff productivity, | | | | dual frame aluminium window system that |
| if the right impression is not given in the | | | | achieved an 'A' Window Energy Rating from the |
| workplace." | | | | Energy Saving Trust, who estimate that up to |
| As Mark says, "with the majority of us in the UK | | | | 20% of energy lost through un-insulated homes is |
| being householders we all realise the importance | | | | through windows. |
| of protecting the environment for future | | | | Hazlemere's Eco-friendly windows are made from |
| generations, but thinking "green" at work will | | | | aluminium which has a positive environmental |
| improve a company's image, reduce its operating | | | | effect. Apart from having a long life in use, once |
| costs and impact positively on productivity with a | | | | aluminium reaches the end of its life it can be |
| happier, healthier workforce. Plus there is 100% | | | | infinitely recycled. Recycling aluminium uses just |
| enhanced capital allowance in the first tax year on | | | | 5% of the energy needed to produce the original |
| investments in energy saving equipment." | | | | material, plus the finished product has all of the |
| Some simple steps can help greatly with reducing | | | | same qualities as the original, so can be recycled |
| energy usage. By using high efficiency fluorescent | | | | 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 "Pilkington |
| usage, or consider automatic switching by | | | | Activ" can be combined with other glass products |
| movement sensor in open plan areas where | | | | in insulating glass units to provide benefits such as |
| practical. You can also lower energy use by | | | | thermal insulation, noise reduction, solar control |
| making the most of the natural light available, | | | | 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 "greener", the | | | | the environment/ those less fortunate by |
| right trees and shrubs outside can provide shade | | | | donating unwanted furniture, IT equipment and |
| for a building where heat gain is a problem and of | | | | appliances to charity. So don't be mean "go |
| course indoor plants aids air purification. Often | | | | green". |
| overlooked but an effective measure is to simply | | | | |