The world around us is changing and along with it, consumer behaviour. Property owners are more aware of the impacts that the fenestration products they purchase have on the environment – whether that’s through their manufacturing process or the environmental benefits they provide once installed. Because of this, more homeowners are requesting products that are manufactured in environmentally-friendly facilities who use safe practices when it comes to carbon emissions and environmental impacts – as well as products that provide acoustic protection and thermal efficiency, helping to lower the carbon footprint of their own homes.
In 2017, one PVCu systems company sought to be the first in the UK with a PVCu window system accredited with a PassivHaus rating. Liniar’s EnergyPlus90 system was designed to meet all the requirements of this stringent testing and more.
The launch of this is UK-first 90mm window system has been well received – and with new building regulations set to require even more stringent ratings, Liniar is well ahead of the curve.
Acoustics
One of the main features of the EnergyPlus90 system is its 42 decibel acoustic rating. “Noise pollution is a real concern for developers looking to build on brownfield sites, near airports or railways and those in heavy urban areas,” comments Liniar’s Charlotte Curtis.
“We’ve already seen a rise in development projects up for tender which require windows meeting the WHO’s guidelines for acoustic ratings – and EnergyPlus90 has been there to fill the requirements for Liniar fabricators.”
From dogs barking and neighbours mowing their lawns to car alarms, planes taking off and trains going by on their daily routes, noise can be a serious issue. With EP90’s 42 dcB rating, it becomes much less of a nuisance. Shared buildings such as care homes, student accommodation and social housing also benefit from building products which dampen that noise – including windows, doors and insulation.
One Liniar customer recently commented, “EnergyPlus90 is one of the only systems that meets these strict requirements – and the only one that can be delivered in the short time frames required by developers.”
Thermal Performance
EnergyPlus90 does more than dampen noise pollution – its PassivHaus rating means it offers some of the lowest U-values on the market for excellent energy efficiency. Boasting a potential U-value as low as 0.7 W/m²K, (0.5 with quad glazing!) the system is capable of helping to keep temperatures inside properties at an ambient 19°C through winter and summer alike.
Liniar’s EnergyPlus90 window system features a 9-chamber PVCu profile and includes Liniar’s patented bubble gasket and glazing flipper. Installed with either 48mm or 56mm triple glazing, it offers exceptional airtightness and weather resistance without the need for additional steel reinforcement.
“Fabricators are asking for products which help to lower energy bills in their customers’ homes – and our entire range is designed to do just that. But EnergyPlus90 goes one step further with its PassivHaus accreditation,” comments Charlotte.
“The World Health Organisation is asking for homes to no longer be linked to the natural gas system after 2050, meaning that we will need other methods of controlling the temperature – and this is where EnergyPlus90 makes the leap.”
Delivering on every level
Looking exactly the same as a standard 70mm system, EnergyPlus90 is also easy to fit. It’s installed in exactly the same way as other Liniar windows, using the same bespoke glazing platforms, so installers can get to grips with it quickly and easily.
And because it’s designed, manufactured, foiled, stocked and delivered from Liniar’s cutting-edge facility in the East Midlands to fabricators all over Britain, customers can rest assured that stocks aren’t impacted from any changes that may take place when the transition period is over from Brexit.
With 3,330 colour combinations available on just a 7-day lead time, customers can choose to have the right product for their home in the style that suits them best. For more information about the Liniar EnergyPlus90 range, including its PassivHaus accreditation please visit www.liniar.co.uk/upvc-windows/passivhaus
