We are thrilled to announce that Gowercroft Joinery has won the BWF Sustainability Award 2024. This achievement highlights our dedication to sustainable practices and our leadership in producing eco timber windows and doors. The award celebrates our innovative sustainability strategies, such as Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), and our focus on creating sustainable wooden windows that minimise environmental impact while maintaining exceptional quality.
What Makes Gowercroft’s Sustainability Efforts Stand Out?
At Gowercroft, sustainability drives every step of our operations, from design to disposal. Our Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), developed in partnership with the University of Derby, assess the environmental impact of each product. These assessments cover the entire lifecycle, including sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, usage, and end-of-life disposal. This comprehensive approach ensures our sustainable timber windows meet and exceed industry standards.
Key Highlights of Our Sustainability Practices
- Carbon Negative at Raw Material Stage: Our Hardwick Red Grandis windows achieve carbon-negative status at the raw material stage. The timber sequesters more carbon during growth than is emitted during harvesting and production.
- Net Negative Emissions Over Their Lifetime: All Gowercroft windows and doors, including those made from Accoya and Red Grandis, achieve net negative emissions across their entire lifecycle. This is due to a combination of carbon sequestration, energy-efficient use, and sustainable end-of-life disposal practices.
- Responsibly Sourced Timber: We exclusively use FSC-certified timber, including Accoya and Red Grandis, which are both durable and environmentally friendly. Accoya lasts over 60 years with proper maintenance, while Red Grandis offers a 50+ year lifespan. These long lifespans help reduce the need for frequent replacements, minimising long-term environmental impacts.
How Does Gowercroft’s Approach Benefit Customers?
Our focus on sustainability directly benefits customers who are seeking eco timber windows for both heritage and modern properties. Through our Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), customers receive transparent data about the environmental impact of their products, enabling them to make informed, responsible choices.
Additionally, by choosing Gowercroft’s sustainable wooden windows, property owners contribute to reducing their carbon footprint while enjoying windows and doors that are built to last. Our products also align with evolving planning regulations that prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability in construction.
Driving Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Winning the BWF Sustainability Award underscores our commitment to pushing boundaries in sustainable manufacturing. Over the years, we have implemented impactful initiatives, including:
- Biomass Heating Systems: Transforming wood waste into energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Compressor System Upgrades: Cutting energy consumption, saving an estimated 20,474 kg of CO2 annually.
- Lifecycle Studies: Identifying areas for improvement and refining processes to reduce emissions further.
Our efforts don’t stop here. Future projects include solar panel installations, rewilding initiatives, and continued enhancements to our manufacturing processes to support our journey toward Net Zero.
Sustainable Timber Windows for the Future
At Gowercroft Joinery, we are proud to lead the way in producing sustainable timber windows that not only meet modern energy efficiency needs but also honour the beauty and integrity of historic and new build properties alike. Our products prove that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand, offering eco-conscious customers solutions that are both responsible and durable.
Looking for sustainable wooden windows? Contact us today to learn more about our award-winning products and how they can enhance your property while supporting the environment.