BPF Tackles English Heritage

The online edition of the Financial Times published a misleading article entitled ‘A window on energy efficient’ by Dr Simon Thorley, Chief Executive of English Heritage. BPF responded with an informative letter to Dr Thurley.

The unfortunate article alleged that most PVC-U windows had a life expectancy of only 20 years and that consumers installing PVC-U windows were ‘damaging the planet’.

To permeate the text with more misinformation, the article says that PVC-U windows are ‘instantly recognisable because they cannot imitate historic mouldings, glazing bars and proportions’.

The BPF has written to Dr Thurley pointing out the inaccuracies of his article, with details including case studies of successfully installed PVC-U windows where heritage designs were required.

The letter mentions how BRE gives a lifespan of at least 35 years and recyclability of up to ten times to PVC-U windows.

The letter also refers to a new study funded by The European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM) where ‘Total cost of ownership’ (TCO) for PVC products are examined. The study finds that for good thermal performance windows the payback period for PVC-U windows are significantly shorter that for equivalent performance timber or aluminium windows.

In addition to the letter, the BPF has contacted the Financial Times to ensure a fair portrayal of PVC-U windows – something unfortunately absent from the article in question.

To read the full article in the Financial Times please CLICK HERE

To read the full letter, please CLICK HERE. For more information about the BPF Windows Group, please contact Francisco Morcillo at fmorcillo@bpf.co.uk.

ENDS

For all media enquiries, BPF logos and images, please contact Philip Law, on 0207 457 5011 or email plaw@bpf.co.uk 

Notes for editors:

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry – representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.