Windows

Windows are responsible for a large amount of heat loss from buildings. Solar heat is also collected by windows for a large part of the year, which means they play a significant part in maintaining comfort levels within buildings.

Improvement of the energy aspects of windows is an important element in Danish energy conservation measures. We need to ensure that the correct solutions are applied when windows are replaced or improved.

Current measures consist of 3 elements:

1. The new energy provisions in Danish building codes set standards for energy properties in facade windows for both new buildings and replacement of windows in existing buildings. Large-scale replacement of windows in existing buildings will thus be subject to energy requirements in future that must be complied with.
2. The Danish trade organisations have entered into a voluntary energy labelling scheme for windows, and labelling schemes will be introduced for windows and internal double glazing. The schemes will categorise products into a scale from A to C. The companies and products subject to the scheme will be regularly checked and companies will have to state the energy properties of their products. 
3. The Energy Authority, glass industry, glaziers’ trade organisation and Vinduesproducenternes Samarbejds Organisation (VSO) (window manufacturer’s cooperation organisation) have entered into an agreement on the phasing-out of traditional sealed units and promotion of energy-efficient window solutions. Consequently, energy-efficient sealed units have become standard products and a campaign to promote their sales and those of other energy-efficient window solutions has been launched.