#startwiththewindow – It saves energy.

There aren’t many construction products which improved this much in the last decades: Modern windows are 2-3x more energy efficient than windows pre 1995. This is why new windows raise the Efficiency Rating of a building. And amortise through saved heating cost within a few years

#startwiththewindow – It’s less hassle.

Changing a window with modern minimal invasive methods is done quickly. It often even does not necessarily need bricklayers, scaffolders, painters but only one trade: window installers. They can replace windows without dirt, noise and damage of the existing building structure and anyone to move out. And they install at plannable costs at a fraction of the conventional installation effort.

#startwiththewindow – It’s a multi-upgrade.

Additional to lower energy consumption new windows can bring a lot of significant benefits that raise every buildings value, e.g. they can reduce noise, profit from solar gains, keep the temperature comfortable, optimize ventilation, improve burglar resistance, allow better accessibility and are an aesthetic update.

#startwiththewindow – It’s a green key item.

New windows provide significant upgrade for every building with limited material input. Window manufacturers in Europe work steadily to improve new windows’ recyclability and CO₂ footprint. Therefore, window replacements set forward for a decarbonization of EU buildings and industry.

You can download the One Pager #startwiththewindow here

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

The text adopted in plenary contains significant improvements to the European Commission proposal. European window, door and facade manufacturers now call on the EU Institutions to start the trilogue negotiations without any further delay.

The European Parliament position provides a clear and realistic roadmap, both for building owners and industry to accelerate the annual renovation rate across Europe. EuroWindoor particularly supports the new provisions put forward by the Parliament to introduce a more holistic approach to buildings, moving beyond energy performance requirements to address all building parameters, so also environment and health.

Specifically, the European Parliament managed to strengthen the Commission proposal as regards:

• better factoring in health and comfort with a new article on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and new definitions (healthy indoor climate, indoor environmental quality);
• strengthened definition of zero-emission buildings;
• greater recognition of Energy Efficiency First principle, benefits of passive building systems and the overall role of the building envelope for the energy performance of buildings;
• faster roll-out of Mandatory Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and harmonisation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to trigger the renovation of worst performing buildings; and
• more ambitious and faster roll-out of whole life carbon thresholds in new buildings.

Unfortunately, the text adopted by the Parliament still does not consider the relevance of the energy balance approach, failing to include the g-value for transparent elements of the building envelope in the Energy Performance Certificates (ANNEX V). In addition, while we welcome the new provisions on IEQ, more specific methodologies for IEQ parameters are needed, especially as regards daylight, IAQ and overheating. The necessary introduction of LCA requirements for new buildings will strongly influence the future building design for the decades to come. So it will be critical that while improving the energy performance and cutting CO2 emissions in buildings, health aspects are tackled at the same time. Otherwise, there is a risk to repeat the same mistake as with nZEB buildings where energy design was strengthened, often at the expense of daylight and overheating mitigation. It is time for a more holistic approach, factoring in all relevant building parameters.

The European Parliament position represents a strong basis for the upcoming trilogue negotiations and we call on all EU institutions to ensure an ambitious outcome. The current EPBD does not sufficiently factor in IEQ parameters, so the new provisions put forward by the European Parliament must be reflected in the final legislation. Without the right legislative framework, Europe will not be able to transform its building stock into one which is energy efficient, decarbonised but also healthy. The European window, door and facade manufacturers are ready to help deliver.

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

The beginning of the year was over shadowed by the lasting impacts of the pandemic and even more from the war of aggression by Russia against the Ukraine. Despite this burden the European Union stayed faithful to their plan on becoming the first emission neutral continent by 2050. EuroWindoor is happy to have been able to give input on important consultations and having several meetings with representatives of the European Commission.

A highlight in 2022 was the successful conference “Daylight by EuroWindoor” at the glasstec in Dusseldorf. EuroWindoor was able to show with well-known experts the importance of daylight in buildings.

In addition, EuroWindoor got approached by the DG Joint Research Center to help the members of the JRC buildings team in getting a better understanding of the products in the window industry.

There are many more important and exciting topics that EuroWindoor already tackled in 2022 like the derogation to the exclusion criteria for Propiconazole or the proposal to recast the EPBD.
With all of these challenges still on going and new proposals coming 2023 will be surely as challenging and successful as 2022.

EuroWindoor wishes everyone happy Holidays and a happy New Year!
We hope that this holiday season brings you enormous happiness and peace in your life.

For more information, please see the following sites:

EuroWindoor position papers

Conference “Daylight by EuroWindoor” at glasstec and streams

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

EuroWindoor appreciates POVAS as another member representing window, door and facade manufacturers strengthening EuroWindoor in its mission of contributing to the EU’s commitment regarding better regulation as well as job creation, energy security, resource efficiency and carbon emission reductions without imposing unnecessary burdens on the sector. With POVAS EuroWindoor counts now 20 member associations and 1 company member from 15 European countries.

For more information about the members please visit the EuroWindoor website

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

At the beginning Mr Manfred Fuchs, Policy Senior Assistant of DG GROW H.1 and responsible for the CPR Technical Acquis process of the subgroup on product area “Doors, Windows, Shutters, Gates and related Building Hardware” was available to discuss EuroWindoor members questions about the development of a new mandate for the future product standards. Soon the dialogue focused on the Commission proposal for a new CPR and the concern of the window and door sector that broadening of the scope leads to over-regulation and additional administrative burden.

Policy Officer Oscar Nieto addressed the concerns for a new CPR in a presentation and answered questions in the discussion. During the meeting the complexity of transparent products were underlined and how this will be dealt in the new CPR and the future Declaration of Performance (DoP). Additional topics were around the timetable for the CPR, questions around the Annexes, the use of digital databases and more.

The meeting with DG GROW H.1 came along with a factory tour EuroWindoor organized one week before giving the Commission a deep insight to the complex window and door manufacturing process. EuroWindoor would like to thank Mr Fuchs and Mr Nieto for taking their time and their willingness to consider the concerns of the fenestration sector.

For more information please see:      
News: EU Commission Construction Unit dives deeply into windows manufacturing

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

The factory tour of the Commissions officers for Construction Products Regulation and Sustainable construction was motivated by the current revision of the regulation. EuroWindoor President Verena Oberrauch and Secretary General Frank Koos presented together with the company owners Didier and Christophe Engels a program demonstrating the complexity and variety of windows and their manufacturing.

The day ended successfully in a Q&A session with an intense discussion about the needs of the fenestration sector concerning the new CPR and the CPR Acquis process. EuroWindoor thanks the participants from the European Commission for their deep interest in windows and the family Engels for opening their manufacturing plants to facilitate a mutual understanding of the challenges window manufacturers have.

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

EuroWindoor favours the taxonomy as it strengthened green investments by defining criteria for them. The products windows, doors and curtain walling contribute to a strong improvement of energy efficiency and therefore, climate protection in the building sector.

Unfortunately, by setting a pan-European maximum thermal transmittance value (U≤1,0 W/m²K) the present criteria for windows does not allow to factor in geographical and climatic differences to optimise resource and energy efficiency by tasking solar gains into account. As a consequence, the EU Taxonomy criteria needs to be revised to use the ‘Energy balance’ approach for transparent products like windows and curtain walling. In addition, curtain walling should have similar requirements as 'windows' since they have a large proportion of glazed area and thermally behaviour like windows.

For further information please see:

Joint call to revise criteria for windows in the EU Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

The war in the Ukraine has shown how dependent many European countries are on oil and gas. Therefore, it is especially important now to trigger renovations and have the European building stock become more energy efficient to prevent from energy poverty, dependency and to reduce emissions. This can only be done if the legislators have strong instruments at their disposal to boost renovations.

Currently the EPBD is being revised, the main legislative tool aiming to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings. One of the most important proposed instruments are the MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards). The MEPS categorize the building stock in energy performance classes ranging from G, representing 15% of the worst performing buildings, to A, comparable to zero-emission buildings. The aim is to renovate the worst classes by a certain time frame starting from G to the at least next best energy class. For example every public owned building in energy performance class G shall be renovated by 2027 and by 2030 those of energy performance class F. This approach guarantees that the Renovation Wave gets implemented and that the EU is able to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

EuroWindoor has been in contact with other industry groups to support the ambitious goals set in the original revised version of the EPBD and to prevent a softening of the EPBD that would stop a Renovation Wave from happening.

For further information please see:

Joint position on ambitious MEPS - A no regret option (October 2022)

Joint position on Staying the Course to deliver the Renovation Wave (October 2022)

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

Ms Verena Oberrauch (EuroWindoor President and member of the Board of Directors of Finstral AG) moderated the conference and gave a short introduction underlining the importance of windows admitting daylight for healthier buildings. Mr Leif Daniel Houck from the Norwegian University of Life Science in Ås, Norway illustrated why human need daylight and how to start to take daylight into account when planning. Based on a study of various schools, he explained that 12 meters of facade per class should be set as a requirement.

Afterwards Mr Peter Andres from Beratende Ingenieure für Lichtplanung in Germany reported news of daylight planning for workplaces by showing practical examples. By allowing direct sunlight into living and working areas, people also experience the normal daily cycle indoors. He advocates an economical approach to lighting planning by first optimizing the use of daylight and then only adding artificial light to the required amount.

The chairman of the Dutch Daylight Foundation, Mr. Lars Courage from COURAGE Architecten asked the provocative question “Are we going to live in the dark soon?” But despite constant improvement in the quality of artificial light, he sees also in the future daylight as elementary factor for the building culture and good living. In the Dutch Daylight Award winning examples he emphasized the particularly good lighting by using daylight from above and explained the positive effects of daylight up to light-flooded prisons for a better penal system.

The conference was completed by Ms Nelly Philipponnat from Saint-Gobain Glass Bâtiment represening the Union des Fabricants de Menuiseries Extérieures (UFME) by giving a practical view on how policy developments are enacted with the example of France. The new regulation with requirements for minimum openings of habitable surface, daylight provision with a target Daylight factor and minimum view out in a space are trend-setting for the legislators of other countries.

After each speaker Ms Oberrauch summarized the key message and allowed participants to ask questions before she lead over to the next presentation.

EuroWindoor would like to thank our sponsors Aluplast GmbH, Finstral AG, Saint-Gobain Building Glass Deutschland and VELUX A/S to make the conference happen.

If you are interested in the presentations, you can download them here.

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

To follow the live stream please register name and email address and login.

• For the registration in English please click here.
• For the registration in German please click here.

The conference begins at 13:30h and ends at 16:00h. As the conference will be translated simultaneously the stream will be available in English and in German language. The link to join the live stream will appear after registration and login at the conference program website for Wednesday:

• For English language please click here
• For German language please click here

Mr Houck (Norwegian University of Life Science) will explain the human need for daylight and will start on how to take daylight into account when planning. From this Mr Andres (Beratende Ingenieure für Lichtplanung) and Mr. Courage (Chairman Dutch Daylight Foundation, COURAGE Architecten) will deep dive into the planning aspect and construction phase. Lastly Ms Philipponnat (Saint-Gobain Glass Bâtiment) will show in the name of UFME a practical level how policy developments are enacted. After each panel there will be time for questions.

Ms. Oberrauch (EuroWindoor President and member of Board of Directors Finstral AG) will be moderating the conference.

EuroWindoor would like to thank our sponsors Aluplast GmbH, Finstral AG, Saint-Gobain Building Glass Deutschland and VELUX A/S to make the conference possible and helping to illustrate the importance of daylight in buildings.

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

Glasstec offers additionally a free live stream without the need of a fair ticket. All which is needed is to register name and email address and to login on the day of the conference. Then the link to the live stream on the conference page will become available. It is possible to register already now:

• For the registration in English please click here.
• For the registration in German please click here.

The conference begins at 13:30h and ends at 16:00h. As the conference will be translated simultaneously the stream will be available in English and in German language. The link to join the live stream will appear after registration and login on 21^st September at the conference program website for Wednesday:

• For English language please click here
• For German language please click here

EuroWindoor would like to thank the sponsors Aluplast GmbH, Finstral AG, Saint-Gobain Building Glass Deutschland and VELUX A/S to make the conference happen and for helping to illustrate the importance of daylight in buildings.

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

As a healthy indoor climate becomes more and more important during the planning and construction phase of a building, the use of daylight is getting more attention. This becomes even more important as many people were forced to stay indoor over the last two years with often insufficient air quality including daylight. Even on political level the topic has gotten momentum with the EPBD – for the first time – including indoor air quality as a parameter in construction.

The conference “Daylight by EuroWindoor” is showcasing for everyone interested on why daylight is even important. Mr Houck (Norwegian University of Life Science) will explain the human need for daylight and will start on how to take daylight into account when planning. From this Mr Andres (Beratende Ingenieure für Lichtplanung) and Mr. Courage (Chairman Dutch Daylight Foundation, COURAGE Architecten) will deep dive into the planning aspect and construction phase. Lastly Ms Philipponnat (Saint-Gobain Glass Bâtiment) will show in the name of UFME a practical level how policy developments are enacted. After each panel there will be time for questions.
Ms. Oberrauch (EuroWindoor President and member of Board of Directors Finstral AG) will be moderating the conference.

EuroWindoor would like to thanks our sponsors Aluplast GmbH, Finstral AG, Saint-Gobain Building Glass Deutschland and VELUX A/S to make the conference possible and helping to illustrate the importance of daylight in buildings.

If you would like to join the conference, please visit hall 11 B24. The conference begins at 13:30h and end at 16:00h.

For further information glasstec conference program please see:
https://www.glasstec-online.com/en/Program/glasstec_conference/Conference_programme

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

Propiconazole is currently used as the main active substance in biocidal products for wood preservation of window and door frames due to its high efficacy spectrum, even at low concentration. Its unique efficacy against all main fungi makes it an essential component in the long lifespan of wooden windows and doors.

Looking at the strict criteria that the wooden window and door industry must observe in Europe, in particular the need for supplying Use Class 3 protection for most applications, a non-renewal of Propiconazole would de-facto leave the industry without any acceptable solution for wood preservation. Such a decision would have a disastrous impact on the building sector which should instead prepare its decarbonization by gradual increase of wood-based materials.

EuroWindoor therefore strongly support a renewal of the approval of Propiconazole based on its limited risk for human health and for the environment, for the unique benefits it brings to fight climate change thanks to the preservation of wood (and carbon storage) for a long period of time, and for complete absence of alternatives in European Member States which threatens the entire value chain of the wood industry.

For further information please see:

EuroWindoor feedback to the consultation on derogation to the exclusion criteria for Propiconazole (July 2022)

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

EuroWindoor supports the overall aims that the proposal to replace the CPR tries to achieve, especially by setting a level playing field when putting the focus on the functioning of the market surveillance and of the Notified Bodies. However, the draft proposal itself has many issues. Structurally the draft is written too complicated with too many articles referencing to other articles, making reading the draft for experts already difficult let alone for manufacturers who have to implement those changes. As a result of this confusing structure the draft is difficult to understand and making many areas open for interpretation.

Besides the many unclear specifications in the articles etc. EuroWindoor strongly emphasises to be cautious of over-regulation, partly because of broadening the scope in certain parts of the draft. New areas in the draft are for example the inclusion of “workers, consumers and occupants” in the Annex, something that is already been regulated in other European legislation e.g. Framework Directive on Safety and Health at Work. For product information requirements lengthy lists of information are demanded, some of whom are confidential or critical and could lead to legal disputes in the long run.

EuroWindoor also like to remind that there are currently a number of other development and revisions going on concerning the construction sector like EED, EPBD and the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which was proposed at the same time as the new CPR. There needs to be a tight coordination and alignment between all those legislative initiatives to prevent from overlapping and overregulation.

EuroWindoor, as representatives of the window, door and façade sector, identified numerous other difficult parts in the Commission´s proposal like the new definitions for construction products – which now includes packaging -or product types multiplying the number of declarations and required product information from a manufacturer.

For further information please see:

EuroWindoor feedback on the proposal for a new regulation replacing the CPR (June 2022)

EuroWindoor feedback on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation - ESPR (June 2022)

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

Picture from ec.europa.eu

The Commission proposal for new regulation replacing the Ecodesign Directive includes many positive changes which EuroWindoor supports. To reduce the negative life cycle environmental impacts of products the Environmental Sustainability addresses green transition of the manufacturing processes, overall sustainability of the built environment and efficient use of natural resources by facilitating reuse and recycling.

EuroWindoor supports the aim of the ESPR making sustainable products the norm while at the same time strengthening a level playing field with a fair and smooth functioning internal market. However, EuroWindoor stresses the importance of ensuring a close coordination and alignment between the ESPR and those other legislative initiatives under development/revision all affecting the building sector (e.g. CPR, EED, EPBD, ...) to prevent from overlapping and overregulation. To avoid unnecessary costs and burdens associated with requirements on products and their value chain EuroWindoor underlines the importance of involving all relevant actors – including industry and Member States in the development and implementation of such product specific regulations.

EuroWindoor sees it very positive that requirements will continue to be set on a product-by-product basis taking into account individual specificities and characteristics of the different products. Especially windows are very complex and individual products therefore a differentiation on a product by product based on scientific assessment methods through recognised European and International standards is vital for a functioning market.
In contrast to this EuroWindoor does not support classes of performance labels (traffic light) on construction products as such a label could easily be misleading which is the same with benchmarking on simple environmental aspects such as recycled content. Only a single CE marking should be required for products giving the information on the performance of construction products.

For further information please see:

EuroWindoor feedback on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation - ESPR (June 2022)

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS @EuroWindoor .eu

Picture from  European Economic and Social Committee

The webinar will be on Tuesday, 24^th May (15.00 – 17.00 CEST) to hear the views of technical institutes, universities, institutional experts & end-users to gain knowledge around the value chain of Propiconazole, within the broader context of a holistic and sustainable approach to European wood protection.

The webinar is going to give an overview on the importance of the European wood preservation segment towards reaching the goals set within the EU Sustainability Goals as well as giving an outline the value chain from the forest to the wood preservatives supplier.

During the webinar the results of 4 studies conducted in 9 EU countries in from 2020-2021 will be presented to show the lack of suitable alternatives.

Lastly the event will conclude with a round table addressing key complementary topical issues within the wood preservation segment and the position of Propiconazole. Participation is free of charge.

For more information view Save the Date flyer & Programme Overview.

For registration at the EPPA SA/NV consultancy please click here.

We look forward seeing you in the webinar!

For further information please see:

EuroWindoor answer to the public consultation on potential candidates for substitution of Propiconazole

The use of Propiconazole in wood preservatives for timber windows and doors

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

The topic will be “How can we renovate in a circular and affordable manner with health, comfort and the resident in mind?”. The International Active House Symposium will demonstrate how to build affordable, healthy buildings focused on the resident. For EuroWindoor this is an important topic as it advocates to define and secure Healthy Indoor Climate in the legislative processes like the Energy Performance Directive of Buildings (EPBD), so people in the European Union live in healthy homes.

For property owners this event might be interesting to learn more about on how to provide a healthy, safe and future-proof neighbourhoods and residences. Visitors can learn about the importance of daylight in their homes. In addition to that the Active House Award winners will be announced and the revamped Active House Specification will be unveiled. A wide variety of topics will provide the frame of this event.

More than 100 guests are expected to attend. If you want to take the chance to learn more about the Active House Alliance or to network, consider visiting the eights international Active House Symposium on the 13^th April 2022 at De Doelen, Rotterdam. For more information on where to purchase a ticket (online and for the physical meeting) please visit the website for the International Active House Symposium.

For further information please see:

Active House Alliance

EuroWindoor feedback on the proposal to recast the EPBD (March 2022)

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

Broadening the scope of the EPBD and strengthened the role of public buildings are positive signals for the importance of renovating the building stock in reaching the climate target for 2030 and 2050. EuroWindoor supports the creation of new instruments to trigger the renovation of the worst performing buildings by introducing Mandatory Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). The improved reliability of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), their expanded scope as well as the shorter validity period will provide a better framework for monitoring and securing the achievement of the agreed energy saving targets.

The EPBD will lead to a legislative framework that will ensure investments that will lead to energy efficient, decarbonised and healthy building. For this a more holistic approach to buildings, i.e., moving beyond energy performance requirements, is needed. EuroWindoor therefore very much welcomes the new provisions in the EPBD revision to better factor in health, comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as the proposal to expand the scope by including a CO₂ emission reduction dimension.

However, EuroWindoor sees the potential to improve the revision of the EPBD to deliver the full potential of the multiple benefits of energy efficiency.

For EuroWindoor the following four points are critical to improve on:

1. Strengthening the new definition for zero-emission buildings
2. Ensuring a Healthy Indoor Climate for all Europeans
3. Factoring in the energy balance principle for window products
4. Further boost the renovation wave as part of national building renovation plans and taking Energy Efficiency First principle into account for MEPS

For further information please see:

EuroWindoor feedback on the proposal to recast the EPBD (March 2022)

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

EuroWindoor proposes for a recast of RoHS that electrical devices attached to windows, doors and facades shall be regulated by RoHS, but not the construction product itself which is covered sufficiently by CPR (2011/305/EU) and REACH (2006/1907/EC). That would lessen the administrative burdens and bring the consistency within the EU regulations.

Windows, doors and facades are normally assembled and installed by professionals and will stay in the building for 40+ years whereas an electrical device itself typically will be replaced 2 to 3 times during this period. This is partly due to shorter expected life time for these components but maybe more importantly due to high innovation rate in development of new and smarter solutions that can be an integrated part of smart buildings. EuroWindoor believes RoHS has for construction products no further added protection of humans and the environment beyond of what is already achieved through the Construction Product Regulation and REACH.

For further information please see:

EuroWindoor Feedback on the call for evidence to review the RoHS Directive (March 2022)

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

ARGE, European Aluminium, EPPA, ES-SO, EuroWindoor and Glass for Europe are strong supporters of the EPBD, but see the need for improvement to achieve the European Union climate targets from the Paris agreement. An important point is the reduction of the buildings energy use by improving the building envelope first which goes along with the Energy Efficiency First Principle.

EuroWindoor and the other European Window Stakeholder see three key objectives to optimise the EPBD.

Firstly, supporting the window replacement rate to accelerate the Renovation Wave. Currently the renovation rate is stagnating around 1% which is especially problematic considering that more than half of Europe´s buildings are fitted with inefficient windows.

Secondly, using the “Energy Balance” approach to assess the energy performance of windows. The “Energy Balance” takes energy (heat) losses as well as energy gains (solar heat gains) into account when calculating the energy performance of a building or building element. This is in contrast to the currently used method of only relying on the thermal transmittance (U-Value). This is a one-sided approach and does not give an accurate picture of the energy performance of building elements like windows.

Thirdly, defining and securing Healthy Indoor Climate. As people in the European Union spent up to 90% in their homes it becomes more and more important to adverse effect on health, well-being and productivity. Therefore, EuroWindoor and the other European Window Stakeholders strongly support the introduction of an ambitious Healthy Indoor Climate definition with measurable parameters.

For further information please see:

Joint position on the proposal to recast the EPBD (March 2022)     
Joint position paper on the Renovation Wave (March 2021)

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

Mrs. Alicia Durán, chair of the IOYG2022, opened the ceremony and welcomed the attendees to the “age of glass”. Invented by accident after a campfire on a beach by merchants, glass began its march across the world. Traded from Egypt to China, from Iran to Europe it is not possible to think about a world without glass.

The IYOG showcases the many ways glass can be used in improving our daily life but especially how glass can be used to reach the sustainability goals the United Nation and European Union have set for 2030. Here glass in buildings, foremost windows, is in the focus to help decarbonizing the building stock. This is needed as 40% of the CO₂ emissions come from buildings. While some emissions are produced during the construction phase around 28% of the emissions are results from the day-to-day use of the building, mainly by heating and cooling systems.

In order to reduce the CO₂, optimizing the building envelope should be the first priority along with the Energy Efficiency First Principle when planning or renovating a building. Glazed windows are a good way of reaching those goals resulting in a reduced needs for heating and cooling. Once installed windows do not produce more carbon emissions. Glass is non-toxic, up to 100% recyclable and when used in buildings as windows providing better health for occupants by giving daylight, natural ventilation and more. The latter aspects become increasingly important as people spent more and more time indoors and a healthy indoor climate is not a “comfort” aspect but necessary for the well-being of the occupants. EuroWindoor advocates for more sustainability in the building sector and healthier buildings for the people to live in and is excited for the IYOG2022 in hope to bring more awareness to these issues.

For further information please see:

International Year of Glass 2022      
EuroWindoor on benefits of windows and glazed areas

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 – 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

Starting the celebrations will the opening ceremony from February 10^th to 11^th at the Palace of Nations in Geneva. Numerous internationally recognized speakers will attend as well as political figures and members of the glass sector. Additionally, the event will be streamed live via UN Web TV for those who are unable to attend the ceremony in person. The focus will be on the latest scientific and technical advancements of glass and on the historic and artistic significance.

Today, glass has become an integral part of our cityscapes and modern architecture is unimaginable without it. As a transparent building material, it is preferably used for windows. Glass enables solar gains to save heating energy and ensures healthy living by the use of daylight.

The opening ceremony will mark the beginning of fairs and events around the IYOG in 2022. From Italy to China, showcases around the world will display the vital role glass has in today’s society.

The Düsseldorf fair Glasstec, 20^th-23^rd September 2022, is a part of the IYOG as well. EuroWindoor is organizing the conference “Daylight by EuroWindoor” with renowned speakers during the Glasstec. Ending will the IYOG with a closing ceremony in Japan in December.

For further information please see the website of IYOG Opening Ceremony and Glasstec 2022.

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 – 11
Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

A dominant topic this year, which will surely continue in 2022 as well, is the Fit-for-55 package. Many directives are currently under revision as a consequence to reach the ambitious climate targets for 2030 and 2050 set by the European Commission. EuroWindoor supports the climate targets and is therefore especially glad to have had a meeting with members of the European Commission to talk about the “Renovation Wave”. In the meeting EuroWindoor was able to show the importance of doubling and expanding the renovation wave as well as sector-specific-sub-targets.

The Energy Efficiency Directive is also a part of the Fit-for-55 package for which EuroWindoor just published its feedback on the proposal to recast the EED. Introducing the Energy Efficiency First principle and binding targets on EU level is strongly supported by EuroWindoor in order to reduce CO₂ emissions. Nonetheless EuroWindoor still recommends setting binding targets on national level to make sure the climate targets are met.

2022 promises to be an eventful year as well. Soon the Commission proposal for the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is expected to be published and will carry on into 2022. The EPBD is a very important topic for EuroWindoor as it is one of the main legislative acts to help reduce emissions and boost the renovation rate. In addition to that EuroWindoor is also anticipating the revision for the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) in 2022. EuroWindoor will keep going to publish position papers with further insight for the upcoming developments.

EuroWindoor wishes everyone happy Holidays and happy New Year!
We are wishing you holidays filled with fun and laughter, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year!

Hope to see you on the Fensterbau Frontale 2022 in Nuremberg.

Press Contact:

Miriam Weppler

EuroWindoor General Secretariat

Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7

60594 Frankfurt / Germany

Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36

Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 – 11

Email: GS@EuroWindoor.eu

EuroWindoor, as representatives of the European window, door and façade sector, welcomes the revision of the EED and hopes to be able to provide further feedback. As part of the Green Deal the recast of the EED goes alongside with the revision of the EPBD for which EuroWindoor provided feedback as well. A close alignment between the EED and EPBD is especially important as they have massive implications for the building sector. Unclarities between them could be fatal.

The legal introduction of the Energy Efficiency First (EE1) Principle is an important step and highly anticipated by EuroWindoor. With the EE1 the decarbonization of the building sector goes further along as it helps taking account of cost-efficient energy efficiency measures. Further the European Commission extended the 3% minimum renovation obligation for Member States to meet NZEB standards to all buildings owned by public authorities. This is a strong sign and catalyst for local authorities to follow.

EuroWindoor fully supports the binding targets of 39%-41% reduction of primary energy consumption at EU level by 2030 but strongly recommends that the Member States should set national targets and make specific plans e.g., sector-specific targets.

For further details and aspects please see the EuroWindoor feedback:

EuroWindoor feedback on the proposal to recast the EU Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) (November 2021)

EuroWindoor answer to the consultation on the revision of the EPBD (June 2021)

[Here  you will find all position papers / publications]

Mr. Hauk, Vice-President EuroWindoor and member of the Board of Directors of Active House Alliance, looks back on 10 years Active House: “Against all odds and many astonishing reactions to the idea of Active House many international alliances were founded to bring the people in the centre of attention when designing sustainable buildings.” 10 years ago the focus was on energy efficiency, so comfort aspects, like daylight, or even environmental aspects were not as important. Many people did not believe that it was possible to combine comfort aspects, sustainability and energy efficiency into one building. The Active House Alliance proved them otherwise and continues to do so all over the world.  Alliances from Canada, to Germany, Ukraine and China have been founded. This year Alliances in Bulgaria and USA have been founded as well.

One of the biggest accomplishes is the implementation of comfort aspects in the newly revised Energy Efficiency Directive of the European Commission. Currently the directive is still in the revision process, but EuroWindoor is monitoring it closely and encourages the political decision makers to focus more on the importance of indoor climate.      
Covid-19 forces many people to stay more indoors which brought comfort aspects more to the attention of politicians. This topic became very important as many governments began to acknowledge the significance of daylight, natural ventilation etc. to keep buildings occupants healthy.

A topic that is very important to the Active House approach and EuroWindoor is the realistic use of energy by the occupants to measure energy efficiency. Often times model numbers are used when calculating the energy efficiency of buildings. Those results are off as soon as the occupants behave differently from the model. The Active House Alliance and EuroWindoor are aware of this problem and constantly measures the energy efficiency of their buildings after people start using or living in the buildings. This shows everyone involved in the creation of the building were to mend the architect of the building and helps to improve future projects.

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 – 11

The Window Stakeholders had asked for a meeting with Stefan Moser, Head of Unit DG ENER B.3. and his colleagues to present and discussed the “Joint position paper on the Renovation Wave (March 2021)”. In that meeting the use of transparent  building parts and their positive impact on energy efficiency were emphasized. During the meeting the stakeholders also presented the Energy Balance principle to the members of the Commission, which in short stands for a more realistic approach on the energy performance of windows. The meeting was positive and both sides will stay in contact to bring the renovation wave further ahead in order to fulfil the European Union’s climate targets.

The expiry date of propiconazole was pushed from the 31^st March 2021 to 31^st December 2022 giving the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) more time to assess. Part of this assessment is a public consultation for possible alternatives or substitutes for propiconazole. To feed into the consultation studies were conducted in 9 European countries to screen for suitable alternative wood preservatives over the past months. The findings are alarming for the wood working industry.

Propiconazole is needed for a couple of reasons in the wood working industry. The humid European climate and certain regulatory requirements as contained in several European Standards such as EN 599-1 and EN 335 makes it necessary to treat the timber sash and frame against fungal attacks. This also increases the use of wood in construction products and more specifically in windows and doors. Timber window and door manufacturers are currently using the approved active substance propiconazole in combination with one or two other active substances (Tebuconazole and/or Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate (IPBC)) when impregnating timber. This combination is essential to keep the total amount of active substances at a minimum, limit the concentration of impregnation product and at the same time ensure a long service life for the windows and doors.

The results of the studies shows that there are currently no suitable products free from propiconazole or tebuconazole and IPBC. A ban of propiconazole would therefore be problematic for the wood working industry as both, tebuconazole and IPBC, are also under revision and about to expire on 30.09.2022 (tebuconazole) and 31.12.2022 (IPBC). A potential ban of propiconazole would leave the wood working industry without any biocidal product ready to use in January 2023. Many wood products would be without an appropriate protection against outside factors, like rain or fungi, resulting in rapid deterioration of the material. This is neither sustainable nor economically viable.

In the renovation wave strategy, the European Commission points out that wood is a precious nature-based construction material as it can have double benefits of “stocking carbon emissions in buildings and avoiding emissions that would have been needed to produce conventional construction materials”. For the European Union the development is self-defeating with its aim in the Green Deal to use more organic construction material and become the first climate neutral continent, an aspect which is even more in the focus with the newly presented Fit-for-55 package from the European Commission.

Without renewal of the approval of propiconazole many users of wood material would be excluded from the market and may be forced to use other construction materials, going against the climate ambition of the European Union. The reasons for the exclusion are the difference in properties by hardwood and softwood and the need for biocides especially for softwood (as explained in the Annex I of the joint position paper). A consequence would be changes in the type of woods used, as classic wood species originating in the EU (e.g. Sweden, Alps) can no longer be used in some cases and have to be replaced by other wood species extracted from non-EU locations. For users of these wood preservatives, the priority is on the development of practical solutions that would ensure the use of wood as a sustainable material and not in defending a specific chemical substance.

Therefore, CEI-Bois, EuroWindoor and SBS support the following decision to maintain the relevancy of the timber window and door industry: Renew the approval of propiconazole until an equivalent substitute is available, tested and assessed for use in timber windows and doors.

CEI-Bois, EuroWindoor and SBS would also like to renew and reoffer their call for a public-private partnership on wood preservatives to be initiated by the European Commission without delay, where public authorities and the industry can agree on sustainable alternatives to biocidal products containing the active substances propiconazole, tebuconazole and IPBC. The first inquiry towards the European authorities to find a new product to replace propiconazole in an appropriate amount of time was denied earlier this year. Non the less there is hope to come together in a long run to find a solution.

Read the position paper (here).

Press Contact:
Miriam Weppler
EuroWindoor General Secretariat
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7
60594 Frankfurt / Germany
Phone: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 36
Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54 - 11

EuroWindoor is glad to provide input to the public consultation on the Climate, Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines 2022 and supports the new guiding Efficiency First principle of buildings. One of the most important part for EuroWindoor is chapter 4.2 “Aid for the improvement of the energy and environmental performance of buildings”.

As much as EuroWindoor welcomes the improvement of buildings in the focus, it is questionable that national or regional subsidies to improve the energy efficiency of buildings do affect international trade and thus competition in the European internal market. EuroWindoor asks for clarification and recommends – if it does not affect trade and competition – adding guidelines for the promotion of energy efficiency for the building sector to the Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD) instead.

In case that subsidies for energy efficiency of buildings are considered as aid EuroWindoor proposes some modifications. Following the principle “efficiency first” the technical equipment should always be renewed after or in combination with a renovation of the building envelope. Otherwise, the technical equipment could be using too much energy for a building that needs less energy after a renovation of the building envelope.

Furthermore, it is requested to include aid for step-by-step renovations, increasing the threshold of at least 20% reduction in the primary energy demand compared to national NZEB for new buildings and to delete or specify the requirements to be allegeable for maximum aid in regards to the economic viability.

EuroWindoor feedback to the public consultation on the revised Climate, Energy and Environmental Aid Guidelines (CEEAG 2022)

[Here  you will find all position papers / publications]

The aim is to raise more awareness for this fascinating and versatile product, to promote the technical developments, especially in the field of sustainability, and have member states and stakeholder organize events around glass. This is a chance for the window, door and façade sector to show the importance of glass in architecture, health and its contribution to reach the climate goals for 2050. EuroWindoor welcomes the UN resolution and looks forward to exiting events in 2022.

Draft resolution of the General Assembly

Four main topics dominated consultation to whom EuroWindoor shared its view. On the topic of Decarbonization and Life-Cycle-Analysis (LCA) EuroWindoor supports the idea that the EPBD should include a concept achieving carbon neutrality in the long term by considering greenhouse gas emissions covering the whole life-cycle of buildings. Focus should be on a clear, understandable, comprehensible and realizable definition of zero buildings for market players and be the target standard for new buildings.

A tool to overlook the progress of the member states in order to reach the goal for 2050 is the Long-Term Renovation Strategies (LTRS) as the member states have to report on the progress, concrete policy measures and other matters. Under the current legal frameworks, the LTRS undergo a review every 10 years. EuroWindoor prefers a change to every 3 years to make sure that marks are hit and adjustments can be made. To make the process of analysing data easier a tool developed by the Commission and a common template for every member state would help.

New in the revision is the question if the EPBD should introduce “Minimum Energy Performance Standards” (MAPs) for the EU. EuroWindoor supports this project under the condition that MAPs should be economical sensible, introduced with intermediate steps and a long lead time. An important factor is the financing aspect to support homeowners in reaching the zero-emission house standard. Subsidies, easier access to loans and a long financing plan would be the means of the choice and necessary.

Lastly the Energy Performance Certificate (EPCs) as an instrument to inform the building owners, tenants and users about the cost of heating and cooling. EuroWindoor favours the idea of a harmonized certificate across the EU, but national specifications should remain to take climate specifics into account. The introduction of the EPCs for private buildings should be mandatory but gradually so homeowners can prepare ahead of time.

EuroWindoors answers the consultation on the review of EPBD

[Here  you will find all position papers / publications]

REACH, a part in the Commissions European Green Deal strategy, was lastly evaluated in 2018 resulting in many opportunities for improvements. Many of those improvements are in the administrative field like the initiative to streamline procedures and to accelerate decision-making. Besides this the reformation of the restrictive process was initiated were EuroWindoor hopes a more dialogue-based process will be implemented to ensure an easier access. Even more EuroWindoor supports the initiative to improve enforcement in Member States to ensure a level playing field across Europe.

The latest REACH Review identified the communication in the supply chains as inefficient and therefore the commission wants to improve safety data sheets. EuroWindoor agrees on the improvement of communication in the supply chain, but is in favour for a better solution. SMEs of the sector are at the end of a very difficult and complex supply chain, often, with little chemical knowledge. This puts them at a position were they are dependant of their suppliers information and without possibilities to control the completeness of the received information. Instead of overworking safety data sheets EuroWindoor wants a guidance in layman terms for SMEs and additional information like intended uses for SVHC of the candidate list. This gives SMEs more tools to communicate with their suppliers and identifying information gaps.

EuroWindoor further addressed the difficulties with recyclate coming from recycling in the REACH framework which is relevant in the context of circular economy. A steady and uniform framework is needed.

Lastly EuroWindoors indicates its support for reforming the authorisation process, but warns against giving national authorities too much responsibility for national authorisations which could lead to trade restrictions and market distortion.
 

EuroWindoor feedback on Inception Impact Assessment revision of REACH

[Here  you will find all position papers / publications]

The EuroWindoor General Assembly thanked the previous Executive Board Joachim Oberrauch, Helle Carlsen Nielsen and Franz Hauk for their great engagement to increase significantly the relevance of EuroWindoor since its founding in 2015. Under their 6 years leadership EuroWindoor was established as a valued stakeholder for EU institutions when developing legal framework with impact on the European window, door and facade sector. Representing the interest of the sector EuroWindoor puts the focus on energy efficiency, health / environment, research / education and CE-Marking / standardisation.

Joachim Oberrauch and Helle Carlsen Nielsen have taken new tasks in their companies and were not available for another term of office. EuroWindoor wishes all the best for their challenges ahead.

With the new President Verena Oberrauch, the new Vice-President Nicolas Dupin and the confirmed Vice-President Franz Hauk EuroWindoor will continue to contribute to the EU’s commitment regarding better regulation, ensuring window and door products are on the agenda as a positive products.

[Here  you will find all information about EuroWindoor]

In light of the European ambitions to achieve 55% net emissions reduction by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050, EuroWindoor fully support Option 3 as described in the Inception Impact Assessment. Particularly given that energy renovation of buildings has been identified as a key European flagship for national recovery plans, we should make sure to invest in measures which lead to energy efficient and sustainable buildings.

The renovation rate has to be increased by mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for all building types, an improved framework for Energy Performance Certificates and stricter requirements for all Public Buildings. EuroWindoor suggest as well to focus more on minimum requirements for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) by addressing health and comfort (Daylight, Air Quality, Summer Comfort…) and embodied CO2 emissions of building materials should be considered. Over all free solar gains through a building’s envelope (Energy Balance) should be factored in by Member States as the appropriate product criterion in national regulations on building modernization.

EuroWindoor feedback Inception Impact Assessments on Revision of EPBD (March 2021)

[Here  you will find all position papers / publications]

The window value-chain, which is made of both SMEs and larger firms, plays a strategic role for the sustainable future of the construction industry. The European building stock is equipped with very inefficient windows, mainly single glazed or early uncoated double glazing . By introducing measures in support of window replacements, national Recovery and Resilience Plans have the potential to deliver long-term energy savings and CO2 emission reduction. We are convinced that the 7 areas of intervention identified by the Commission in the Renovation Wave to scale up efficient renovation and trigger the transformation of the building stock will bring powerful tools to rapidly improve the energy efficiency of European buildings and their windows. To materialize, the Renovation Wave needs to be backed by an ambitious revision of both the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Building Directive.

Download Joint position paper on the Renovation Wave (March 2021)

Both organizations are committed to better comfort and energy savings in buildings. The window related natural ventilative cooling is a jointly recommended key element to meet the required energy efficiency and wellbeing of the residents during periods of cooling demand.

“We are looking forward to cooperate with venticool to strengthen the focus on the important issue of ventilative cooling for the fenestration sector” says Frank Koos, Secretary General of EuroWindoor. “Both partners will benefit from the knowledge and resources of each other to counter the increased risk of overheating caused by climate change”.

“Prevention of overheating in nearly zero energy buildings is one of the key challenges. Smart control of openings in facades and roofs is a key to achieving comfortable thermal conditions with limited energy use” points out Peter Wouters, Manager of INIVE, which operates venticool. “We welcome this partnership with EuroWindoor and look forward to a fruitful collaboration”.

More information to EuroWindoor is available on https://www.eurowindoor.eu

More information to venticool is available on https://venticool.eu/

Press Contact:
Dr. Peter Christian Lang
General Secretariat EuroWindoor
Walter-Kolb-Str. 1-7, 60594 Frankfurt am Main
Phone.: +49 (69) 95 50 54-28, Fax: +49 (69) 95 50 54-11
Email: pr@eurowindoor.eu
www.eurowindoor.eu

Developing effective plans to replace inefficient windows is a key element of a sustainable and green recovery. Window replacement allows to generate long-lasting energy savings and move towards climate neutrality, while making a noticeable difference in people’s quality of life and supporting the recovery of a crucial sector of the EU economy.

“Setting dedicated measures in National Recovery Plans for replacing inefficient windows is a wise and easy step to make EU buildings more energy efficient and to limit C0₂ emissions.”, says Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe. “Long-lasting energy savings could be quickly achieved, if national recovery and renovation plans were effective at supporting the uptake of high-performance windows equipped with the right glazing combination”.

"To achieve the ambitious climate targets of the European Commission, higher renovation rates of at least 2% are necessary in the building sector. With the replacement of windows in the building envelope, we follow the principle of efficiency first," says EuroWindoor Secretary General Frank Koos. "Energy renovations can only be triggered with financial incentives and the gradual introduction of binding minimum standards for energy efficiency".

Installing high-performance windows responds to today’s consumers’ expectations of more comfortable, healthy, and healing indoor space. “New windows combined with smart functionalities such as dynamic solar shading, dynamic glazing, solar control glass, are essential for people’s  comfort in energy efficient and healthy buildings”, concluded Ann Van Eycken, Secretary General of ES-SO, European Solar Shading Organization.

Download Window replacement at the core of national Resilience and Recovery Plans

The availability of timber provided by the European forestry industry has turned wood into a popular primary material for many industrial sectors, among which the timber window and door industry plays a key role and follows strict processes to meet the properties demanded by construction standards. In its recent Renovation Wave Strategy, the European Commission also recognised the important role of nature-based construction materials such as wood due to its double benefit of “stocking carbon emissions in buildings and avoiding emissions that would have been needed to produce conventional construction materials”.

To increase the use of wood in construction products and more specifically in windows and doors, the humid European climate makes it necessary to treat the timber sash and frame against fungal attacks (see position paper annex, page 7) to ensure a long service life of the products. This is often a regulatory requirement as contained in several European standards such as EN 599-1 and EN 335, both setting treatment requirements to ensure the durability of wood and wood-based products.

Timber window and door manufacturers use the approved active substance propiconazole in combination with one or two other active substances (tebuconazole and/or Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate (IPBC) when impregnating timber. The combination is essential to keep the total amount of active substances at a minimum, limit the concentration of impregnation product and at the same time ensure a long service life for the windows and doors. Currently, there are no identified alternatives that can be used directly by manufacturers of wooden products, leaving the industry without any solution to secure the long lifespan of the products in case of a non-renewal. In this regard, several studies are being conducted at the moment with the aim of screening all suitable technologies (with and without propiconazole), and findings should be communicated in early 2021.

In the meantime, it must be avoided that users of wood materials are excluded from the market. Solutions need to be found to ensure that the properties of wood products will not deteriorate due to insufficient protective measures. Maintaining and expanding the use of the sustainable native material wood in the construction sector is an important contribution to achieve the goals defined by the EU within the framework of the EU Green Deal (2019) and Bio-economy Strategy (2018) which aim for climate neutrality, value creation and resource efficiency. For users of these wood preservatives, the priority is on the development of practical solutions that would ensure the use of wood as a sustainable material and not in defending a specific chemical substance.

Therefore, CEI-Bois, EuroWindoor and SBS support the following temporary decisions to maintain the relevancy of the timber window and door industry:

• Postpone the expiry date of approval of the propiconazole active substance for use in biocidal products in wood preservatives (Product Type 8) due to the delay of the impact assessment study.
• Renew the approval of propiconazole until an equivalent substitute is available, tested and assessed for use in timber windows and doors.

In the long term, CEI-Bois, EuroWindoor and SBS call for a public-private partnership on wood preservatives to be initiated by the European Commission without delay, where public authorities and the industry can agree on sustainable alternatives to biocidal products containing the active substances propiconazole, tebuconazole and IPBC.

Read the position paper « The use of Propiconazole in wood preservatives for timber windows and doors ».

*** END ***

This Austrian assiciaction is representing window, door and facade manufacturers linked to the material metal. With AMFT EuroWindoor has 19 member associations from 14 European countries.
EuroWindoor is looking forward to a excellent collaboration to support our sector on European level.

For more information about the EuroWindoor members please view this section "Members"

From January 5^th, 2021 any supplier of an article with a substance on the candidate list > 0.1% (w/w) according to REACH Art. 33 has to provide the information to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This is a measure of the Directive (EU) 2018/851 requesting from Member States in Article 9 to prevent waste generation.

EuroWindoor gives in its information specific information concerning our sector and products. It shows an example of the complex object of a window made of articles (components) and a demonstrative chart of the distribution in the fenestration sector. Finally an example of a window is given how to referencing in a SCIP notification for complex objects.

EuroWindoor Information SCIP-Database – fast facts for window and door manufacturers (December 2020)

[Here  you will find the German version and all position papers / publications]

EuroWindoor supports not to change the scope of the CPR and believes that some targeted actions at the current system are preferable to a fundamental change of the CPR. Repealing the CPR would cause to collapse the internal market for construction products with devastating consequences.

EuroWindoor answer to the public consultation of the European Commission on the Review of the CPR

[Here you find all position papers and publications]

What if … the movers and shakers of our multibillion window industry would gather once a year? What if we had a platform to listen to fresh insights and discuss the developments that impact our business? Wouldn't it be about time to launch an event like this? Yes, it is!

EuroWindoor invites the leaders and decision makers of the sector to the first European Window Summit. Under the overarching motto 'Surfing the Renovation Wave' a highly relevant program will be presented by top-speakers. Market actors become ready to take up on the challenge to grow window markets and to boost window retrofitting at time of renovating buildings.

Get your tickets now! Please find detailed information on the program and registration details for the Virtual Conference on 24 February 2021 at conference.eurowindoor.eu.

[more information about events on the EuroWindoor website in the section "upcoming events"]

EuroWindoor takes account that today sliding and lifting sliding (door height) windows are often equipped with entrapment protection like motor current monitoring, which was missing in the Table 4 of the previous edition. Furthermore some clarifications on “Commissioning” in the new chapter 9 are helpful for manufacturers. As well some modified wordings in Table 2 shall clarify the “Use of room”.
This Guidance Sheet supports the manufacturers of windows and provides a code of practice with approaches to technical solutions and information on how to use power-operated windows, aiming to help making window operation safe without major risks.

New Edition of the EuroWindoor Guidance Sheet KB.01:2020-06 “Power operated Windows”

[Here  you find all position papers and publications]

For more information about the EuroWindoor members please view this section  

The Newsletter 12/2019 of EuroWindoor has the following content:

• EuroWindoor fights for harmonisation of internal fire doors
• EuroWindoor position on the “Review of CPR”
• EuroWindoor supports as member of Active House comfortable, sustainable buildings
• EuroWindoor feedback on Public Consultation on the RoHS Evaluation
• New member from Slovakia welcomed

For more information please download the EuroWindoor Newsletter 12/2019 and visit the section Position papers and Publications  to find all newsletter until 2015 in the section "Newsletter"

EuroWindoor highlights that the effective enforcement and observation of the regulation will only be enabled through:

1. Competent Notified Bodies and a well-functioning market surveillance securing a level playing field
2. A streamlined process for the development, the revision and the citation of hENs

Ensuring a proper legal framework for the Union Market remains vital to ensure strong competitiveness of the European industry and a broad enforcement throughout Europe.
EuroWindoor supports a smooth development of the CPR described as “Option I” (guidance or “soft law”) or “Sub-option II.A” (Limited revision tackling explicitly identified issues) in the Impact Assessment Study (2018-11-28).

EuroWindoor Position on Review of CPR 1911

[Here you find all position papers and publications]

EuroWindoor’s requests, that electrical devices attached to windows, doors and facades shall be regulated by RoHS, but not the construction product itself which is covered sufficiently by CPR (2011/305/EU) and REACH (2006/1907/EC).

EuroWindoor Feedback on Public Consultation on the RoHS Evaluation (November 2019)

[Here you find all position papers and publications]

EuroWindoor, European Door & Shutter Federation and Small Business Standards are calling on the European Commission to implement the below three-step approach to minimise the impact on the sector:

• extend the co-existence period for EN 16034 beyond 01 November 2019
• ensure that it is aligned with the co-existence period for EN 14351-2
• cite EN 14351-2 in the Official Journal of the European Union without any further delay

EuroWindoor-EDSF-SBS joint position on fire doors and internal pedestrian doorsets (September 2019)

[Here you find all position papers and publications]

The Newsletter 08/2019 of EuroWindoor has the following content:

• EuroWindoor session on Energy Balance during Concerted Action EPBD meeting in Riga
• RoHS II: Draft Delegated Act for exemption of Cadmium and Lead in PVC window profiles
• EuroWindoor meeting with DG GROW
• EuroWindoor Directing Council Meeting on June 6^th and 7^th, 2019 in Lisbon
• New EuroWindoor members
• Appointments 2019/2020

For more information please download the EuroWindoor Newsletter 08/2019 and visit the section Position papers and Publications  to find all newsletter since 2015 in the section "Newsletter"

EuroWindoor detected some problems by implementing the RoHS requirements because of different procedures and responsibilities of installing electrical devices to windows and doors resulting in different requirements for the products. Only if the electrical devices are included before the complete product is placed on the market, the RoHS requirements do apply to the complete construction product. More often the electrical devices are installed after the construction product is placed on the marked. Then the window or door complies with CPR / REACH and the electrical devices with RoHS.

In the position paper EuroWindoor explains the different RoHS requirements for windows and doors with electrical devives depending from route of distribution with a motor lock for a door as example.

EuroWindoor suggests to limit the scope to the electrical device of the window/door, something that could be done by clarifying the definition of large scale fixed installations. Windows and doors are normally assembled and installed by professionals and will stay in the building for 40+ years whereas an electrical device itself typically will be replaced 2 to 3 times during this period. 

EuroWindoor position on RoHS II for windows and doors with electrical equipment depending from route of distribution (January 2019)
[Here you find all position papers and publications]

The presentations by the daylight standardisation experts Prof. Marc Fontoynont, renowned German light planner Prof. Peter Andres as well as Markus Broich from the Bundesverband Flachglas (Federal Flat Glass Association) and Ferdinand Friedrichs from the Verband Fenster + Fassade (Window and Curtain Walling Manufacturers’ Association) highlighted, partly proven by empirical research, the full significance of daylight in buildings as well as the latest draft standards.

“I don’t really think that our sector is fully aware yet of the significance of daylight for our health, wellbeing, concentration and performance. Hereby the immense interest in this event and the animated discussions have shown that this subject is relevant today,” emphasised Frank Koos, EuroWindoor Secretary General. “There is hardly a stronger argument in the planning and sale of large glazed elements, whether as windows or as part of a transparent facade, than daylight.”

On the morning of 24 October 2018, EuroWindoor presented the findings of the EuroWindoor study on the use of windows and external doors out of wood once they are no longer in use (End-of-Life Treatment). According to this, in Europe more than 50 per cent of the wood of these elements does not go to landfill, as outlined in the European draft standard for the compilation of environmental product declarations but into thermal recovery (incineration) or recycling. In his presentation on the study findings, David McKinnon from the Danish consultancy Ramboll, emphasised that the European Committee for Standardisation CEN has amended the final draft of EN 17213 “Windows and Doors – Environmental Product Declarations – Product Category Rules for Windows and Doors” accordingly.

Photo „Glastec_daylight1“: The organisers and speakers of the “Daylight by EuroWindoor” conference (from left to right): Frank Koos, Markus Broich, Prof. Peter Andres, Helle Carlsen Nielsen, Ferdinand Friedrichs and Prof. Marc Fontoynont (photo: EuroWindoor)

Photo “Glastec_ daylight2”: The EuroWindoor Daylight conference was immensely popular. (photo: EuroWindoor)

Photo „Glastec_End-of-Life“: In the morning, at the EuroWindoor “End-of-Life Study” presentation: Frank Koos, Helle Carlsen Nielsen and David McKinnon (from left to right). (photo: EuroWindoor)

Publications of EuroWindoor

[more information about the working programm / activities of EuroWindoor]

EuroWindoor participated as a stakeholder in the political process in the revision of the EPBD. After publishing the Directive (EU) 2018/844 amending the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive it is key now to highlight the benefits of daylight, solar gains, solar protection and natural ventilation. Following points should be considered in the implementation into the national legislation:

1. Increasing the replacement rate of windows as part of the long-term renovation strategy
   The renovation rate needs to grow to 3%/year adding 1 million more jobs. Triggering renovations in Europe is key in obtaining large energy use reductions in our buildings, and the replacement of windows plays a crucial role in achieving to reduce CO_² emissions. A new study from Ingenieurbüro Hauser (IBH) on “Pan-European results on energy savings due to window replacement (2018) shows that window replacement policies based on energy balance approach can result in huge energy savings.
2. Focus on daylight, indoor climate aspects and a dynamic building envelope to ensure that European citizens live and work in healthier buildings
   We spend 90% our time indoors, while studies indicate that more than 30% of all building stock in Europe is poorly ventilated, often humid, lacking daylight and are often the cause for chronical diseases (Fraunhofer, 2016). Therefore, policies must improve indoor comfort conditions.
3. The energy balance principle shall be defined in the specific heating and cooling climatic conditions to assess the energy performance of windows
   Currently, Member States have regulated windows mainly by UW-values (heat-loss). However, when the effect of solar gain is left out, the real performance is not reflected and this is not in line with the objectives of sustainable development or giving the right assessment of a window’s real contribution to the performance of a building envelope.

Download of the EuroWindoor position on "Benefits of windows and glazed areas (September 2018)"

Download of the EuroWindoor Infographic "EPBD 2018 Implementation: Windows for healthier buildings (November 2018)"

All publications of EuroWindoor

[more information about EPBD and translations of the documents in the section "Energy Performance of Buildings" of the activitity "Energy Efficiency"]