GGF survey provides consumer insights

Sixty-two per cent of consumers are unaware that over twenty per cent of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors, the recent GGF consumer survey has found.

The Glass and Glazing Federation recently published the results of its independent consumer survey, covering energy efficiency, competent person schemes, consumer codes and general consumer views.

Comprising 18 questions, the survey was conducted by One Poll and was sent to 2,000 homeowners across the UK. The survey results will be used to support the GGF/MyGlazing.com consumer PR campaign, and will also underpin the GGF’s political messages and ongoing activity.

The results will also be used to promote the organisation’s approved Consumer Code to both existing members and the wider industry. 

Commenting on the release of the survey results, James Lee, GGF Director of Marketing and Communications, said: “With all the work the GGF is doing to help consumer facing Members, it seemed logical for the GGF to survey consumers to understand and evaluate their views and opinions. The results have proved both insightful and encouraging.”

The full survey results can be viewed below:

Energy Efficiency

• 62% of consumers are unaware that more than 20% of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors
• On average, consumers believe only 17% of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors
• 37% are surprised to find that 23% of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors
• 51% of those surveyed say that knowing 23% of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors, makes them consider installing new windows and doors
• 54% of homeowners have energy efficient windows and doors installed 
• Almost 75% would consider energy efficient windows and doors important when buying a new home

Consumer Code

• 30% said they have referred to a consumer code when making a purchase. 
• 53.5% said they haven’t yet referred to a consumer code but would do in the future. 
• 58% said that knowing a company’s ‘Consumer Code of Conduct’ had been approved by a Government-backed body such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute would influence their purchasing decision 
• Only 17% said they have never heard of a consumer code 

General consumer views

• 57% would install new windows and doors to increase the value of their home; only 10% would never consider this as a means of increasing value
• 67% of homeowners spent some money on home improvements in 2016
• 62% have heard of a Competent Persons Scheme
• Energy saving tops the list of reasons why homeowners would install new windows, at 35%; 25% say money saving is their first priority, 14% want to keep out noise
• 29% of homeowners will consider making home improvements in the next 18 months 
• Of those considering making home improvements in the next 18 months, top of the list of considerations is new windows at 33%
• 58% of homeowners distrust glazing/home improvement companies who contact them unsolicited

The Glass and Glazing Federation has stated it will conduct more consumer surveys in the future to support myglazing.com content and help steer the organisations future strategies for its support package for the benefit of its consumer facing members.

To celebrate 40 years of the GGF, Buildingtalk recently published a special edition newsletter which can be viewed here.

Contact:

Glass and Glazing Federation
40 Rushworth Street
London
SE1 0RB
LONDON

t: 0207 939 9101

Visit the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) website

Visit Supplier's page