Door energy ratings scheme launched

An energy ratings scheme for all kinds of domestic doors has been launched for the first time by the British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC).

The Door Energy Ratings Scheme (DER) will extend use of the renowned and respected BFRC energy rating label, widely used on windows, to all kinds of domestic doors – external pedestrian doors and French, folding and sliding glazed doors.

The move represents the biggest extension of the BFRC scheme since 2006 and creates a new dynamic to the UK domestic door industry, which annually sees 1.7 million domestic doors sold, worth £772m.

All kinds of external pedestrian doors – solid doors, partially glazed doors and fully glazed doors – will be included in the scheme, while simulations will allow every style to be included whether they are constructed of timber, PVCu, aluminium or composite.

Doors will be rated ‘A’ to ‘G’.?? An ‘E’ rating will equate to a U-value of 1.8 allowed for in the Part L buildings regulations (announced October 1, 2010). ??Doors rated ‘F’ & ‘G’ would not satisfy buildings regulations but have been included to cover product that is exempt, such as those for listed buildings or other architecturally sensitive applications.???

“It will provide a robust framework to compare various door sets on a fair and equal basis. It is inclusive of most material and construction types in use today, said BFRC CEO Graham Hinett.

“Registration with the BFRC DER scheme is not currently a compliant route for Part L. However, it provides manufacturers and retailers with the most effective and well-known comparison tool on energy efficiency for the marketing and selling of doors.”

??BFRC will be fully supporting the launch of the DER scheme in the consumer media using eco-campaigner and TV presenter James Strawbridge through late 2011 and early 2012.