A Tale of Two Projects: Going Green

From green Government initiatives to documentaries like Blue Planet, the world around us is keen to prevent ongoing climate change damage from impacting our communities – and possibly reversing some of the damage that has taken place over time due to greenhouse gas emissions. The steps an average person can take extend far beyond cutting single-use plastics out of their life (though this is an important step!) Making a lasting impact of your own carbon footprint begins where you live and extends into the very foundation of the home you live in.

In 2019, the UK announced its plan to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050 and achieve a carbon neutral state. The first major economy to declare such an aspirational plan, the UK’s ‘green initiative’ will take more than big business and industry leaders to make a difference – homeowners can play a huge role in making it a success as well.

This isn’t a new idea

All the way back in 1990, PassivHaus technology was created – but it’s only been in the last decade that homeowners have become more aware of how the overall construction of their property makes an impact on their energy bills, extending far beyond insulation.

In 2008, UK PVCu window design experts Liniar launched a new window system which was the first in more than two decades to be designed from scratch with both energy efficiency and security in mind. The design engineers behind this revolutionary window wanted to achieve unrivalled energy efficiency without sacrificing security or stability.

‘Energy Positive’ building specification

Four years later, in 2012, a couple in Lincolnshire were looking to self-build a house that was incredibly energy efficient, with no utility bills for heating. After employing a top-notch architect who put them onto Liniar’s EnergyPlus range, they knew they’d found the right windows for the job.
“We did look at timber as an option, but we had seen it used in other developments where it had warped and had problems with the seals… and we wouldn’t touch aluminium with a bargepole! It was just too expensive and not at all energy efficient. So really, we were set on having uPVC from the beginning. We hadn’t heard of Liniar windows before, but our architect recommended them as he had specified them in previous projects. We found a local Liniar installer, who could help us achieve our objectives.”

The couple were delighted that the finished building was ‘Energy Positive’ by 40% – meaning that it generates 40% more energy that it uses.

PassivHaus accreditation

While Liniar’s EnergyPlus window was able to achieve PassivHaus ratings in 2012 for the Thomson’s it wasn’t a truly PassivHaus accredited system. In 2017, however, Liniar launched a truly revolutionary product – the EnergyPlus90 (EP90) window. This 90mm window is the UK’s first PVCu PassivHaus accredited window and also has incredible acoustic values. Since its launch, the EP90 window has been the go-to product for specifiers and architects who want to achieve not only groundbreaking energy efficiency but also noise reduction to WHO urban standards.
In 2020, a 1970s office block in Hampshire underwent a facelift, turning it into 67 luxury one- and two-bedroomed flats. The windows had to be energy efficient, and because of its location next to a railway station, acoustic properties were essential to provide future homeowners the peace of mind that they wouldn’t be disturbed by the noise.

“We researched the available options for PVCu windows which would meet acoustic standards whilst offering high security and excellent thermal performance. We found that the market is lacking in options for this type of product, and there are very few to choose from. After investigation, we chose to go with Liniar’s EnergyPlus90 due to its slim frames and patented design features. The finished job is stunning – without the sound of a train in earshot!”

One of the only windows with the required acoustic 42-decibel rating, Liniar’s EP90 system also boasts PassivHaus accreditation, providing unrivalled thermal performance – as well as exceptional security to ‘Secured by Design’ standards.

The EP90 windows were foiled in 7016 Grey on the outside to give a modern, industrial appearance and left white on the inside to provide a blank canvas for the new occupants.

Perfect for your project

Whether you’re looking to bring your energy bills down, shrink your carbon footprint, reduce noise in an urban area, Liniar’s window range ticks all the boxes. For more information on Liniar’s energy-efficient window and door ranges, visit www.liniar.co.uk.