Windows scrappage scheme petition

Over 3,000 people have signed a petition urging the government to introduce a windows scrappage scheme which would offer homeowners £1,000 to replace draughty old windows with new, energy efficient ones.

Over 3,000 people have signed the
windows scrappage scheme petition
C: Marcothemac on Flickr

The petition was launched by the Glass and Glazing federation (GGF) in September. Ian Chisholm, Deputy Chief Executive of the GGF, says that: “A windows scrappage scheme would reduce C02 emissions, help the government meet their carbon targets and retain employment within the industry.”

The proposed windows scrappage scheme would be open to companies who recycle old windows and replace them with new, energy efficient ones. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) reports that we could save the equivalent of around 740,000 households’ CO2 emissions if everyone in the UK who needed it had double glazing installed.

So far over 3,000 people have signed the petition on the Number 10 website which will run until the 24th March when the GGF will find out if the scheme has been accepted by the government. “Simon Hughes MP has shown interest and we would encourage companies, their customers and their suppliers to support the scheme and help move it forward,” says Ian.

The campaign has also been supported by companies like Conservatory Outlet and FENSA. Graham Hinett, CEO of FENSA praised the petition by saying: “This is a very practical and achievable campaign which will help the government with reducing overall emissions and reduce energy bills for homeowners.”

If the petition were successful, a windows scrappage scheme would benefit homeowners, the government and the windows industry. A windows scrappage scheme would:

• Save homeowners £1,000 on new windows which would boost the look of their home.
• Cut carbon emissions. The EST says that installing energy saving recommended windows can cut heat loss by half and save 720kg of CO2 a year.
• Reduce energy bills. New efficient rated windows can save £135 on fuel bills a year, says the EST.
• Increase business for manufacturers. According to the GGF, over 100,000 people work in the sale or manufacture of windows and doors in the UK. A scrappage scheme would boost sales of windows which are forecast to fall by 10% in 2010.

Some window companies have independently launched their own window scrappage schemes offering as much as £2,000 off of the cost of installing new windows. Ian, from the GGF, says that: “The take up of these proposals by both companies and consumers shows the enthusiasm there is for this type of scheme throughout the country.”

This petition was perhaps inspired by the success of the Reheat Britain Campaign launched last year, in which 2,349 people signed a petition to introduce a boiler scrappage scheme. The government pledged £50 million to the boiler scrappage scheme, Which has now come to an end.