Change, Challenges & Opportunities

• Browse By Section
• In Focus
• Change, Challenges & Opportunities

Richard Hall, MD of Reynaers Aluminium UK, looks ahead to what’s in store for the fenestration industry in 2024 as new legislation is expected to drive change through the introduction of the Building Safety Act and the build-up to the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

Tighter regulations, economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges – as we venture into 2024, the situation continues to be unpredictable with high interest rates and further increases in the cost of living continuing to have an impact on investment in projects.

However, opportunities in aluminium remain – new regulations are imminent and digitalisation can provide customers an even greater service.

According to the latest Construction Industry Forecast from Glenigan, commercial project starts are expected to see an increase of approximately 8% in the next 12 months and then a further 7% in 2025. The Glenigan report also suggests a 4% increase in private housing project starts in 2024 and an 11% increase in 2025.

 

No growth

Whilst we’d all like to see growth in both commercial projects and private housing developments, the latest Construction Products Association (CPA) forecast suggests a marginal fall of -0.3% in construction output in 2024, which includes no growth in private housing for either new build or repair, maintenance and improvement.

 

Growth

In addition, the latest Insight Data report shows a concerning decline in the overall number of fabricators and installers over the past five years. However, the demand for aluminium windows and doors looks set to continue, with the number of aluminium fabricators continuing to increase, standing at 921 in 2023. This is a good sign for the aluminium windows and doors supply chain.

Whilst the economic backdrop is one of uncertainty, Reynaers will rise to the challenge, developing solutions to support the growth of our customer base.

 

Future Homes Standard

Great strides have been made in increasing the thermal efficiency of window and door systems to cut energy use and support global efforts to reach net zero. Our comprehensive Part L campaign in 2022 outlined changes to Part L of the building regulations and the continuing requirement to achieve lower U-values, as well as the comprehensive range of compliant window, door and façade systems we can provide.

Now, following the recent release of the consultation document, which sets out government plans for changes to the Future Homes Standard in 2025, we acknowledge that these have provided the industry with mixed news. However, you can be reassured that Reynaers will continue to innovate aluminium solutions that are fit for a better future.

 

Thermal efficiency

We already have doors, windows and curtain walling systems with U-values as low as 0.8 W/m²K without compromising on aesthetics, functionality and performance. Sustainability remains a key commitment for us.

To support sustainable building design, Reynaers will introduce a number of new and updated products throughout 2024 and beyond, which will provide further improvement in the thermal efficiency and sustainability credentials of our windows, doors and curtain walling.  All of which will be tested and certified to stringent standards.

 

Building Safety Act

The introduction of the Building Safety Act will have a significant impact on the construction industry as a whole. It will drive up standards in manufacturing, specification and installation to support improved safety and accountability.

Proof of testing, certification and an accessible trail of traceable information will be essential for any parties involved in building projects to evidence the golden thread of information. With tighter regulations for buildings above 18 metres, curtain walling and window systems for high-rise projects will need to be specified at the design stage – and demonstrate that they do not contain combustible materials.

Reynaers welcomes this tightening up of standards – the company is committed to manufacturing quality products, backed by robust testing to demonstrate performance, supported by easily accessible product information to clearly evidence accountability.

 

Digitalisation

Digitalisation will continue to be a major focus. Reynaers has a range of new digital solutions due to be launched throughout 2024, including digital passports, a new digital document portal, enhancements to our BIM offering and an embodied carbon calculator.

We aim to bring absolute clarity to product information, which will deliver the accountability needed for the golden thread and sustainable building design. Product-specific manuals will also be made available through our new digital document portal to support fabricators and installers to find information and instructions easily.

 

Support

Supporting customers is at the heart of Reynaers’ ethos and throughout 2024 we will continue to work to raise awareness of incoming changes to make sure the information and products are available to meet that.

 

Picture: Richard Hall, the managing director of Reynaers Aluminium UK.

www.reynaers.co.uk

Article written by Richard Hall, MD of Reynaers Aluminium UK
11th March 2024

Share

---

---

Related Articles

---