Greenpeace is urging architects and specifiers to use timber windows rather than PVCu .
Speaking at the Windows for the Future conference in London last week Mark Strutt of Greenpeace said that timber’s environmental performance was ‘far superior’ to plastic.
The conference, hosted by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), attracted more than 100 people –including architects, specifiers and window manufacturers. Dozens more were on the waiting list.
Mr Strutt, who leads Greenpeace’s campaign against toxics, said: ‘In the long term the use of timber is going to develop, with forest certification schemes having the backing of environmental groups and the public.’
He said massive marketing by the PVCu industry had helped it corner the market whereas timber’s advantages were largely understated.
And he reported increasing opposition in Europe to PVCu use because of its toxic ingredients.
Mr Strutt praised the BWF for using the environmental issue to promote its accreditation scheme members.
BWF director Kevin Cubbage said the conference had reminded the industry of the need to focus on quality and performance.
He said: ‘I have no doubt that timber windows will increase their market share. But we have to make sure that increase is accompanied by improved quality.’
