Renegade Conservatory Guy

Are uPVC windows really good for the environment?

I read with interest Sam Kennedy’s recent article in the Glazine ‘Making the case for PVCu’. He points out an article in the Telegraph magazine - Is it worth it? Double Glazing. I haven’t seen the article, so if anyone knows of an online version please point me in the right direction.

I must admit I struggle to understand whether PVCu (or UPVC) windows and doors are good or bad for the environment. Certainly installing Energy Rated uPVC Windows are shown to have a very positive effect upon insulating our homes.

And clearly if the Energy Rated uPVC windows we install last for 35 years without being replaced, then it should be argued that they be considered to be a wise environmental choice.

Dr Patrick Moore, a founding member of Greenpeace certainly argues the case for uPVC (or vinyl as they call it in the US):

A key part of Patrick Moore’s argument is that Vinyl lasts so much longer than other products, and as for windows I suspect that the maintenance-free USP we have argued for years applies here. Equally, well maintained timber windows, where the timber has been sourced from managed plantations are surely equally sustainable.

The part of the argument I have a problem with is the assertion that vinyl (or uPVC) is easily recycleable. I’m sorry, but I’m not aware of a major part of our industry recycling the first generation of uPVC windows once they have been ripped out. How can installers be recycling these old frames? They’re covered in hardware parts such as hinges, locks and handles, and should have reinforcing steel or aluminium sections inside the profile chambers. They’re also bulky and difficult to unassemble and separate.

It is clear that for the good of the industry we need to be looking at replacing the replacements, but surely we need to be stripping these old frames down and recycling the plastic, glass, steel and other parts attached. Then we can start arguing that uPVC windows are a good choice for helping save the environment.

Your thoughts appreciated!