The media have an important role in influencing the opinion and beliefs of the British public. The double-glazing industry has suffered more than any in attracting bad press over the years. In recent months however, the tide appears to have been on the turn. Although this may be only a temporary change, the increased press coverage relating to concerns over the need for a reduction in energy use and a cut in carbon emissions is starting to favour the use of double-glazing as a solution to the associated problems. A week doesn’t pass without news feeds featuring items on the positive effects of double-glazing on the environment. This sea change in attitude is directly related to the Government's plans for the UK’s ‘biggest ever home improvement programme’. Under the proposed Energy Bill, homeowners and landlords will be able to apply for funds to pay for insulation, including glazing improvements. Interestingly, it will also create powers for tenants to ask for and receive, reasonable energy-efficient improvements to their homes. This month in Windows Active, the Energy Savings Trust highlights a very interesting point of view from landlords. Apparently, they remain sceptical about the value of energy-saving improvements such as insulation, because they don’t currently envisage them being reflected in rental values. However, the notable exception to this rule is double-glazing. Landlords believe that by installing new windows and doors they are more likely to attract a better quality tenant and a longer lease. When this notion is added to the lead news item on this page regarding homeowners realising the added-value benefits of increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, one can start to truly believe that the double-glazing sector has a key role to play.

As the argument for double-glazing grows stronger, the media will hopefully continue their positive coverage of our sector. The proposed Energy Bill is extremely important for the fenestration industry. We all need to make sure double-glazing and, to an increasing extent, triple-glazing, stay positively in the minds of the Government’s policy makers.

John Cowie - Editor