UBM Information starts CPD Programme on sustainable aluminium window systems

A key element of the UK government’s Construction 2025 strategy is to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment by 50 per cent by 2025. At the same time, it aims to lower costs by 33 per cent, both in the initial construction and over the whole life of built assets. As heating consumes by far the greatest proportion of household energy use, reducing this is one of the most efficient ways to improve buildings’ energy performance. Data from the European Aluminium Association estimates that 40 per cent of the heating energy lost from homes escapes from windows or the gaps around windows.

Innovative and high-performance window design is therefore fundamental in reducing the amount of energy used in both the construction and operation of buildings, new and old. UBM Information Ltd has launched a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme that will show how aluminium window systems can contribute to the sustainability of a project, and how to specify the correct aluminium system to meet the level of performance required.

UBM’s CPD distance-learning programme is open to anyone seeking to develop their knowledge and skills. The deadline for registration is 24th June 2016.

Aluminium has two significant sustainability benefits. First, it is very durable, so can last for long periods of time without replacement, and with very little or no maintenance.

Second, aluminium is 100 per cent recyclable. Although most metals can be recycled, aluminium is one of the few that can be repeatedly recycled with no loss of quality. The act of recycling aluminium requires only 5 per cent of the energy needed to produce new aluminium. For this reason, it is essential to take cradle-to-cradle performance into account when specifying aluminium, rather than simply the initial production process.

The percentage of recycled aluminium in use today stands at approximately 35 per cent although this is slowly on the rise as more of our older buildings are refurbished or replaced, and this aluminium is returned to the supply chain. The current recycling rate of aluminium is 92-98 per cent. In the European construction industry, the figure stands at 95 per cent.

As well as the obvious benefits of recycling, extraction and refining companies are using a growing percentage – currently 50 per cent – of hydro-electric energy and have virtually eliminated the release of the most toxic gases.

The CPD course on sustainbility benenifts of aluminium window systems will cover topics like thermal transmittance of the material, Window Energy Ratings, Warm Edge Technology, Glazing, Green guide, and frame designing.