Energy certification – a market transformation mechanism

Rick Wilberforce, Market Development Manager – Europe, Pilkington Group Limited

The energy labelling of domestic goods such as dishwashers, light bulbs and fridges has become familiar to Europe's consumers in recent years. It strongly influences the public's purchasing decisions. This has inspired the development of labelling in two areas of direct interest to our industry. The first is the energy labelling of windows - commonly known as Window Energy Ratings. These have developed in different ways in different EU countries, but are at their most mature in the UK, where WERs are included in Building Regulations and are linked to government-supported incentive schemes. The second is the energy certification of entire buildings, as required by EU Directive 2002/91/EC, which is currently being transposed into national laws; this too has strong implications for glazing.

In this paper the author describes the development of Window Energy Ratings in Europe, looks in some detail at the UK WER scheme, and proposes how the lessons from its success can be utilised in other countries. The paper also gives an update on the development of legislation for the Energy Certification of whole buildings in EU countries.

The author demonstrates how these schemes can transform the market for more energy efficient products and buildings, and proposes how the fenestration industry should exploit these opportunities.

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The Authors

Mr. Rick Wilberforce Market development manager Pilkington In Pilkington, I am responsible for government relations and the monitoring of legislation in Europe, at national and EU level. Am also the President of the UK Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Am ... Read more