The Wood Window Alliance – hot on the campaign trail in 2009

Since its launch in September 2007, the WWA has forged ahead with its plans to highlight the thermal efficiency, durability and beauty of 21st century wood windows, targeting professional, trade and consumer audiences.

A real breakthrough for the wood window industry in the UK, the formation of the WWA marked the first time that so many companies had come together to create a powerful marketing campaign for wood windows, placing product quality, industry standards and sustainability at its core. And because the WWA puts quality at the heart of its campaign, all members must meet high standards to be able to display its heart and tree brandmark1.

In a world where sustainability is the new watchword, the numerous environmental benefits of wood windows were recognised last year in the new BRE Green Guide in which wood windows received the highest achievable overall summary ratings of A and A+. Long life is one of the keys to a window’s sustainability and BRE gives wood windows a service life prediction of 30-35 years2.

The WWA aims to change attitudes about wood windows by getting the facts to the people that need them. Last year, in response to increased demand from specifiers for up to date technical information, the WWA published The Specifiers’ Guide to Timber Windows. So for the first time specifiers have a one-stop guide for all their window information needs.

In 2009 the WWA will continue to promote the benefits of wood windows, which often means addressing outdated views. So activity this year will focus around gathering more technical information to establish that wood windows really are a good value proposition as well as the sustainable choice. Ensuring that the sustainability, thermal efficiency and durability of wood windows is recognised in future policy development is also crucial and the WWA is also collaborating with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to develop a project that will allow the wood window industry to better understand the environmental impact of their products.

Commenting on the recent resurgence in the wood window industry and looking to the future, WWA Campaign Chairman Nick Quinn said: “We are delighted with the positive steps which have been achieved and look forward to building on our successes. In 2009 we will continue to drive home the WWA’s messages to trade audiences as well as building our presence in the consumer arena.”

The WWA looks forward to the future, and with membership continuing to grow it is well placed to ensure that wood is recognised as the best choice for 21st century windows.