For the first time, BRE has recognised Wood Window Alliance (WWA) specifications in the BRE Green Guide.
The WWA has achieved category leadership, not just in timber, but in aluminium-clad timber windows too. Now, by choosing WWA windows, specifiers can get A+ ratings in timber and alu-clad; in both domestic and commercial projects.
The Green Guide includes WWA specification ratings for eight timber and aluminium-clad timber frames offered by its members:
• All WWA standard timber windows for commercial and domestic buildings are rated A+
Commercial windows: Preservative pre-treated softwood timber, double glazed, water based translucent or opaque coating internally and externally
Domestic windows: Preservative pre-treated softwood timber, double glazed, water based translucent or opaque coating internally and externally.
• All WWA alu-clad timber windows for commercial and domestic buildings are rated A+ or A
A+ for powdercoated aluminium-clad softwood, double glazed, water based translucent coating internally
A for powder coated aluminium-clad softwood, double glazed, water based opaque coating internally.
The WWA specification for aluminium-clad frames uses a timber frame with a long-life low-maintenance clip-on aluminium profile.
According to WWA, the inclusion of WWA ratings within the BRE’s Green Guide to Specification underpin WWA specification windows’ environmental credentials and builds on the Whole Life Analysis study previously commissioned by the WWA.
Conducted by Dr Gillian Menzies at Heriot Watt University, this study shows that WWA specification timber based window frame materials, including aluminium-clad, are more environmentally-friendly, offer a longer planned service life and lower whole life costs than PVC-U alternatives. The study, which develops earlier work by Imperial College London, ensures the industry can use authoritative data to compare the durability, value and environmental impacts of different window frame materials.
