Reduce CO2-emissions with a VELUX roof window
Analysis show that a VELUX roof window saves more CO2 than it costs to produce and dispose of - mainly due to the free solar energy entering through the window. Consequently, installing a VELUX roof window will help meet the increased demand for energy-savings as well as the overall wish to reduce CO2–emissions and stop global warming.
As the effects of climate change are felt across the globe, both governments, industry and private homeowners are taking steps to address the challenges and lower CO2-emissions. Tougher energy-requirements and financial incentives for building green are being introduced. All the while increasing energy demands and scarce fossil fuel-resources raise energy prizes and further encourage private home-owners to choose climate friendly home im-provements.
Now, a new Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) show, that a VELUX roof window can help over-come these issues by saving more CO2 in its lifetime than it costs to produce and dispose of.
Reduce CO2 by up to 500 kg.
Installing a VELUX roof window is effectively accommodating both consumers' and legislators' need for energy- and CO2-savings by reducing total CO2 –emissions. In fact, throughout the lifetime of the window, total CO2-emissions are reduced by 4-500 kg.
Free solar energy leads to energy savings
The reduction of CO2 is mainly thanks to the free solar thermal energy gained through the window. It reduces the demand for heating in the winter months. But a roof window can also lower costs for air conditioning during summer. Replacing and old roof window with a new one, can increase room temperature during the winter by up to 2 degrees C and reduce it during the summer by up to 5 degrees C. The energy contribution of a roof window can be further optimised by adding blinds and shutters to avoid overheating in the summer and improve insulation in the winter. On top of that, the free daylight also reduces energy con-sumption by cutting costs for electrical light during the day.
Energy balance and the environment
To fit the need of consumers and to contribute positively to the environment, VELUX product development focusses on creating and optimal balance between the energy gains from free solar energy entering the home and the amount of energy that escapes through the window.
"Bearing in mind that buildings account for 40% of energy consumption, it is important to us that our products contribute to a healthier and more sustainable way of designing buildings. Now, we are proud to have achieved a level of energy balance where the roof window is a positive contributor to the energy efficiency of the building. One VELUX roof window leaves a positive environmental footprint reducing total CO2 emissions by 4-500 kg from cradle to grave. And on top of that there are the additional benefits of a healthier and more comfortable living environment with daylight and fresh air through the roof," says Jacob Schambye.
Jacob Schambye talks more about sustainable products and LCA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKV32VN2ZPY
Life Cycle Assessments
When the environmental impact is calculated, all stages of the windows life are assessed - from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, maintenance, and disposal or recycling. Calculations show that the impact of production and disposal is very minimal compared to the potential energy gains or losses during the lifetime of the window in the building.