The materials and component we use to create new homes are coming under the spotlight more than ever before as we strive towards a highly sustainable society.
The battle against climate change is constant and buildings are a major CO2 contributor. To ensure our buildings are energy efficient in the long term and created using materials that have not cost the earth to produce, product selection and specification must take into account the whole life cycle and consider post-use disposal.
Unlike other materials used in window frames, PVC performs extremely well in terms of sustainability. PVC is extremely resource-efficient in its manufacture and in the case of Sheerframe, creates windows that offer excellent thermal performance over a long lifetime. In addition, when PVC frames are eventually replaced, they can be easily collected and recycled compared with other materials.
Towards Zero Carbon Homes
Because Sheerframe PVC windows and doors can be provided with exceptional weather tightness and ‘A’ rated energy performance, using specialist glazing and construction methods, they can be central towards the achievement of a zero carbon home which requires a category six under the energy element in the Code for Sustainable Homes.
For further information download our brochure "Towards zero carbon homes".
Calcium organic stabilised
The raw materials that are used to produce Sheerframe windows are carefully selected to ensure any risk to humans or the environment – whether perceived or actual – is kept to an absolute minimum.
Sheerframe windows were amongst the first PVC windows to become lead-free, with the use of lead additives phased out as a precautionary measure and replaced with calcium organic stabilisers. It is steps like this that ensure the health of the people that manufacture Sheerframe windows and Sheerframe customers can be assured of total safety.
Recycling
Recycling waste materials without compromising the technical performance of the end product is a valuable achievement. In the PVC industry, both the end of life and manufacturing process waste materials, are routinely recycled to eradicate any unnecessary waste.
L.B. Plastics has a policy of 100% recyclability of its customers' waste products, and its own in-house waste. This is processed at the company's recycling plant in Derbyshire. Co-extrusion of weather-seals and gaskets plays a major part in the 100% recyclability of Sheerframe products.
L.B. Plastics also subscribes to the Vinyl 2010 Voluntary Commitment to recycle the majority of post-use collectable frames. In 2005, this surpassed the 50% mark.
