How uPVC Windows Help Cut Carbon Footprint in Urban Buildings

In an exclusive interaction with Adlin Pertishya Jebaraj, correspondent of Homes India Magazine, Ankit Modi, Director at Durakraft Extrusions, is shareshis insights of Modern uPVC window systems, which are the most advanced sustainable building products available, with their incorporation of multi-chamber profiles, multi-seal systems and low-emissivity (low-e) glass. Ankit Modi envisions Durakraft among the top three uPVC extrusion companies globally, consistently performing beyond customer expectations with uPVC profiles that deliver exceptional durability, elegant aesthetics, and a seamless user experience.

How do you see uPVC windows changing as part of the larger push for green houses and sustainable building in India and all over the world?

The uPVC windows are an essential building block for the future of sustainable construction and green buildings. The energy-efficient, durable, and recyclable nature of uPVC windows satisfies three prime selling-point priorities for environmentally concerned consumers. With its superior insulating value, uPVC windows help reduce energy loads in India's increasing urbanising context, where higher temperatures combined with increasing built intensity create thermal limitations on multiple levels. Furthermore, facilitating a lower rate of heat transfer means uPVC windows will lower electricity consumption and improve indoor comfort to deliver effective year-round performance. On a global scale, the increasing use of uPVC windows represents a major commitment to creating buildings and spaces with a lower carbon footprint while retaining their good looks and modern amenities. They are changing how construction creates technology roadmap and architecture and sustainability.

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What are the advanced technologies integrated in uPVC that are making measurable impacts on the environment?

Modern uPVC window systems are among the most advanced sustainable building products available, with their incorporation of multi-chamber profiles, multi-seal systems and low-emissivity (low-e) glass. All of which provide better insulation properties and result in reduced energy consumption in homes and businesses. In fact, many uPVC profiles are made of lead-free materials that are environmentally friendly, safe, and highly resilient against thermal cycling. With uPVC windows correctly installed and operating as intended, they will prevent excessive heat gain in the summer and uncontrolled heat loss in the winter. This leads to a reduction in use of artificial heating and cooling systems and reduces the amount of electricity used while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. uPVC window products use green technologies to keep the environment clean, while returning superior durability, performance, cost savings, value, and comfort while complying with global green building practices.

What challenges do city builders or homeowners face when they adopt sustainability in uPVC windows? 

While there are many benefits, a few primary roadblocks still affect the acceptance of uPVC windows and doors on a wide-scale in India. The most significant among these barriers have been limited awareness, and perceptions of a higher upfront capital costs compared to alternative materials like wood or aluminum. Builders and homeowners may also be discouraged by perception or lingering notions of uPVC and aesthetics or concerns about long-term performance. However, these concerns are misguided as the modern uPVC windows and doors that are on the market now have a wide range of finishes, colours, and configurations and will perform better than many traditional materials. Furthermore, once a homeowner gains experience with their uPVC windows or doors, they soon realize the long-term value, energy savings, comfort and sustainability it can deliver by lower energy bills and less impact on the environment. In time, better public awareness, and awareness of successful adoptions are starting to eliminate these roadblocks.

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How do you differentiate the aluminum and traditional wooden windows, which are widely used in the market?

Aluminum and wooden windows are usually quite common, but both have limitations in terms of sustainability. Although wood offers the advantage of being renewable, comes with concerns of deforestation, high maintenance, and vulnerability to warping over time. Wood requires much maintenance and can warp over time. On the other side, aluminum is also recyclable. However it takes significant energy to extrude aluminium which provides it with a high carbon footprint and it is a good conductor of heat and unwanted energy loss. 

In contrast, uPVC windows are more energy efficient when compared to aluminum and wood, plus are recyclable, long lasting, and have very little maintenance. uPVC won't corrode, decay, or warp. They are designed to endure adverse weather conditions. uPVC is lightweight yet strong; it provides insulation from heat and noise. For all of these features, uPVC is a modern, sustainable, practical option in place of aluminium or wood windows.

Looking ahead, what is your future vision for the next wave of innovations in the construction material sector?

The future lies with a combination of these materials that provide strength, aesthetics, and sustainability with the inclusion of smart technologies. Companies like Durakraft, focusing on energy-efficient uPVC systems, recycled materials, and compatibility with the green certification process. We envision a future that is fueled by construction materials that do more than just embrace sustainability but also enhance urban living.