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The Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan but is calling for urgent clarification from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on how building fabric improvements – including windows and doors – will be supported under the scheme.

The Warm Homes Plan has been described by the government as “the largest home upgrade programme in British history”, providing significant investment in insulation, low-carbon heating and renewables - including universal zero, or low-interest, loan-style support for measures such as batteries, heat pumps and solar panels.

While the GGF supports actions that help households cut energy bills and carbon emissions, it is seeking greater clarity on where fabric-first improvements sit within the overall framework.

At present, references to windows and doors within the policy document are limited to local authority-led and social housing funding routes. What remains unclear is whether funding will support meaningful retrofit upgrades to existing homes, including the replacement of ageing and inefficient double glazing with modern high-performance double or triple glazing.

The GGF has contacted the Director at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Jessica Skillback, within the last 24 hours to request urgent clarification on how fabric improvements will be treated under the Warm Homes Plan, and whether future guidance will enable homeowners and social housing providers alike to upgrade existing glazing as part of a whole-house retrofit approach.

Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations at GGF, said:
“While we recognise the Government’s focus on electrification and renewables, we believe that energy efficiency must start with the building fabric. Windows and doors play a critical role in reducing heat loss and ensuring that low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps can operate effectively. We are seeking clarity from Government on how these essential measures will be supported.”

The GGF is cautiously optimistic that opportunities will be presented for the glass and glazing sector, particularly within the social housing and local authority-led retrofit programmes. However, the Federation stresses that further detail is needed to understand the scale and scope of these opportunities.

The GGF looks forward to further engagement with DESNZ and to the additional detail promised in forthcoming policy updates. The Federation remains committed to working constructively with Government to ensure the Warm Homes Plan delivers practical, effective and inclusive energy efficiency solutions that fully recognise the value of fabric-first improvements.