While some extensions do not require planning permission due to Permitted Development, those that do often require lengthy processes.

Simplifying and accelerating the approval process can give homeowners greater confidence to invest in improving their homes as their needs evolve. By reducing delays and increasing predictability, these changes have the potential to unlock more projects that improve living space, comfort and energy efficiency.

At VELUX, we believe that enabling people to make better use of existing homes is an important step towards addressing housing needs in a sustainable way. Lofts represent a significant, often underutilised resource that can be transformed into healthy, daylight-filled living spaces.

We therefore support measures that make it easier to bring forward such improvements, while ensuring that quality, safety and design standards are maintained.

Developed in partnership with Guardian Glass, the technology is specifically engineered for roof windows — a far more demanding application than facades due to higher loads and structural requirements. It provides high thermal and acoustic insulation with a reduced CO₂ footprint, contributing to more sustainable buildings and improved indoor comfort.

This new technology allows VELUX to replace the space between glass panes with a vacuum that significantly reduces heat transfer. This enables excellent insulation performance within a much thinner and lighter construction compared to standard triple glazing. Instead of separating panes with argon or krypton gas, this solution uses a vacuum that effectively minimises heat loss.

As a result, the vacuum insulating glass achieves the performance of triple glazing in a slimmer, lighter design. A subtle dotted pattern created by tiny spacers between the panes is characteristic of this technology but does not obstruct the view. VELUX will introduce the technology in two variants: a single vacuum glazing solution and a hybrid version. 

Single Vacuum Glazing

The single vacuum glazing variant is an ultra-thin double pane design that delivers thermal performance comparable to triple glazing. By eliminating the third pane, this new solution is between 1.5 and 5 kg lighter per MK06 unit (depending on the full window construction), making installation easier.

In addition, it offers approximately 30% lower CO₂ footprint when comparing the insulating glass unit alone. A roof window equipped with this glazing achieves an impressive insulation value of Uw = 1.0 W/(m²K). The difference becomes clear when comparing thickness: this new glass measures only 11.5 mm, versus 26.4 mm for standard double glazing and 38 mm for standard triple glazing with similar insulation performance.

It will debut in 2026 in the UK and Ireland within the VELUX Heritage range, ensuring architectural authenticity is preserved while delivering superior thermal and acoustic performance for enhanced indoor comfort.

Vacuum Hybrid Technology

The hybrid version combines the vacuum double glazing with a third pane separated by a gas filling. This construction delivers outstanding thermal insulation and excellent sound reduction while lowering the CO₂ footprint. With a Uw value of 0.83 W/(m²K) and a sound insulation rating of 38 dB, the hybrid solution offers high energy efficiency and acoustic comfort, comparable with the company’s most efficient glazing, IGU 67, with reduced carbon emissions by 5% compared with a full roof window and by 12% compared with the glass alone.

A launch date for the German market has not yet been set. Depending on project interest and availability, VELUX expects to expand the offering to additional European markets.

Background Information

VELUX began testing vacuum insulating glass more than 20 years ago and introduced early versions to the German market. While promising, demand for ultra‑low U‑value products was lower at the time, and performance advantages were not yet significant enough compared to standard triple glazing.

Since then, vacuum glass technology has advanced considerably in durability and performance, especially in facade systems. Tempered glass is now used for greater resilience, sealing methods have improved vacuum integrity, and closed absorber systems remove residual and released gases.

Building on this progress, VELUX spent the past decade developing vacuum insulating glass technology and, since March 2024, has continued development through partnership with Guardian Glass. Improvements include a fully tempered glass solution with fewer supporting spacers between panes — enhancing insulation — and the ability to achieve lower Ug values than standard triple glazing‑ with the hybrid solution. Single vacuum glazing now enables ultra-thin double pane units with sleek profiles and comparable performance to conventional triple glazing.

  VELUX, the Danish roof window manufacturer, today launches its annual Future of Home Report, which reveals a striking disconnect between what Europeans say affects their health and wellbeing in the home and what they are actually doing about it. Most Europeans understand that factors like daylight, noise, temperature and air quality impacts how they feel in their homes. Yet, instead of improving and investing in their homes, most resort to quick fixes like closing curtains all day in the summer (52%) or keeping windows completely closed in winter to save energy (38%). This "comfort paradox” leaves far too many people with living conditions that undermine both their health and happiness. 

The Future of Home report, which surveyed 9,000 homeowners and renters across six European countries (UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark), explores how indoor climate, space, daylight and affordability shape what living well means today. 

 It reveals that throughout the year, Europeans are directly affected by the indoor climate of their homes: almost a third (30%) of Europeans feel poor air quality affects their productivity and focus and nearly half (46%) say that cold homes in winter negatively impact their physical wellbeing.  In summer, a quarter of Europeans (26%) struggle with heat which they say impacts their sleep (69%) and overall wellbeing (47%).  

Despite this, renovation decisions are mostly driven by aesthetics with almost half of people (43%) saying making their home more beautiful or aesthetics motivated them to renovate, and only 15% have considered renovating their house to address temperature regulation. Daylight also continues to be treated as an optional extra in home design and renovation with only 1 in 10 saying they would move to access more natural light (11%). 

At the same time, the report shows that home improvement has become the primary way Europeans adapt their living conditions ahead of relocation: almost half of respondents (49%) have renovated in the last five years, compared with 35% who have moved. 

Although Europeans know what makes their homes healthier, the research highlights that few are motivated or able to address the issues, with cost being a practical barrier for more than a third (39%). Perceived lack of time and knowledge to manage a property renovation and lack of available options to move were also cited as key barriers for over a fifth of Europeans (29% respectively). 

However, when it comes to prioritising wellbeing in the home, younger homeowners (18-29 years) seem to be taking the lead with a more solution-focused approach. They are more daylight conscious than other age groups – with more than 1 in 5 (27% vs 22% across all age groups) saying they have renovated specifically for improved daylight access. 1 in 5 (20%) have added an extension to their property and they are the most likely age group to have recently a4dded or replaced vertical windows, dormers or glazed doors in their home (31% vs 27% across all age groups). When looking at future renovation plans, young adults are more likely to be considering natural daylight as a renovation project (27% vs 22% across all age groups).  

The Future of Homes report addresses crucial conversations happening in the home. It’s also a reminder that this isn't about luxury renovations, it's about thoughtful and long-term design choices that invite daylight in, ensure fresh air and thermal solutions that maintain comfort year-round.  Mads Jul Hansen, Insights Manager for VELUX says: "Our research shows a clear comfort paradox: people know daylight, fresh air and the right temperature are vital for their wellbeing, yet their homes often work against them. Rethinking how we design and renovate homes is one of the most powerful ways to support healthier, more comfortable everyday living.” 

Discover the full VELUX Future of Home report with detailed findings here.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH 

 The VELUX Future of Home report is a comprehensive quantitative study conducted in December 2025 with an online survey of 9,000 homeowners and renters (ages 18-80) across six European markets: the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark. The research explores emerging living trends, comfort priorities, renovation behaviours, and their impact on wellbeing and future home design decisions. 

This report details findings from a multimarket quantitative study with homeowners and renters exploring the emerging ‘living’ trends and the impact these might have on their future home needs.

Alex O'dell, Managing Director at VELUX said:

VELUX has been working with industry partners and government over the years as the Standard has been rolled out. Regulatory affairs expert Eugenia Maslova added:

ENDS

Founded in 1948 by the UK Parliament alongside the establishment of the National Health Service, the awards were created to champion exemplar housing schemes and highlight the intrinsic link between good health and good housing. These principles closely mirror the founding values of the VELUX business – creating healthy indoor environments through daylight and fresh air.

The awards are chaired by the Government’s Chief Planning Officer and supported by agencies including Homes England and the housing ministry, MHCLG. There are twenty-two judges from professional bodies including RIBS, RICS and RTPI, with VELUX providing the twenty-third.

New for 2026, the Landscape Institute and the Royal Horticultural Society have joined as partners, reflecting the growing recognition of outdoor space and the importance of connecting the indoors with the natural environment.

Entries for the 2026 awards close on 10 March.

Further details are available at hdawards.org.

The research suggests that based on current government targets, around 700,000 additional rooms could be unlocked if room-in-roof ready designs were adopted. The research also highlights a series of typologies to show the land efficiency gains for utlising attic spaces as living areas.

The VELUX report, which includes the Savills research was released as part of a webinar, hosted by former Shadow Health Secretary Johnathan Ashworth. Much construction today for example, utilises truss roofing, where there loft space is not easily to inhabit and often requires more structural changes to do a conversion. The findings also cite the planning system as an occasional barrier, where a planning consent may not account for the potential increased occupancy space and thus the 

Click here to download the “Room to Grow” report. 

The new academy will be co-located within the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) at Riverside Sunderland – a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training facility managed by Sunderland College.

Delivering hands-on, industry-led training in roofing, window installation, and smart home technologies, the VELUX Skills Academy will support both new entrants and those already working in the construction sector.

Driven by a mission to create healthier, more sustainable living environments, VELUX designs and manufactures roof windows, accessories, and smart home solutions that enhance daylight and ventilation in buildings.

Through this partnership, VELUX will integrate its expertise and technologies into HICSA’s curriculum, ensuring students and apprentices gain real-world experience with cutting-edge products and practices.

The VELUX Skills Academy will feature significant investment in training rigs and digital technologies, enabling learners to develop specialist skills that are often difficult to teach in traditional college settings. It will complement Sunderland College’s existing construction programmes and support the UK’s Industrial Strategy by preparing learners for the demands of modern construction.

VELUX is also working with developer igloo Regeneration to deliver homes in Sunderland inspired by the Living Places Copenhagen model – a prototype for healthy, low-carbon neighbourhoods. These homes will form part of Sunderland City Council’s ambitious urban regeneration plans for Riverside Sunderland.

HICSA is a nationally leading gateway for construction and housing skills, specialising in modern methods of construction, low-carbon technologies, and addressing national shortages in key trades. Students and apprentices will play a direct role in building the 1,000 new homes planned for Riverside Sunderland, including those developed by VELUX and igloo.

For more information about HICSA or to explore partnership opportunities, please visit: www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk

 Photo: Adam Mørk

Located in Østbirk, Denmark, LKR Innovation House gathers around 500 VELUX employees focusing on the further development of roof windows and accessories, plus other innovation that goes beyond the Group’s core products. It is named after Lars Kann-Rasmussen, son of the founder of VELUX. 

“With this amazingly transformed building, we now have a first-class innovation hub for developing the best products and solutions in the building industry for our customers,” says Tina Mayn, Executive Vice President, Products & Innovation in the VELUX Group. “LKR Innovation House is also a shining example of our commitment to renovation and more sustainable building methods and materials.” 

A building for the future transformed with respect for its past 

The 30-year-old building is restored and renovated with respect for its initial design. By reusing and repurposing as many as possible of the existing materials it was built in, more than half of the original materials were spared in the transformation process. This means that about 55 percent or 4,576 tonnes of materials have been saved compared to what it would take to construct a new building of the same size and function.  
 
With a carbon footprint of only 4.6 kg CO₂e/m²/year, LKR Innovation House is future proof beyond current projections for Danish building legislation in 2029.  

Photo: Adam Mørk

‘Experiment in wood’ by Lars Kann-Rasmussen 
It was Lars Kann-Rasmussen’s idea to construct the original building using primarily wood as the main material due to environmental considerations. Wherever possible, materials like concrete and steel were substituted with untreated wood. The wood was intentionally untreated to test the durability and thereby sustainability of using it as a primary building material. 

When inaugurated on May 15 in 1995, the building was thus referred to as ‘an experiment in wood’ because of the untreated and responsibly grown wood sourced from Danish and Swedish forests. It has stood the test of time as the wood used on the facade of the building remains in good condition and is expected to continue to withstand. 

Synergies in innovation 
LKR Innovation House is transformed into a modern workplace with offices, laboratories and workshops to drive VELUX product development. These workspaces are expected to spark a high degree of collaboration and creativity and result in significant innovation synergies. 

Photo: Adam Mørk

New products, technologies and applications can be designed and developed under one roof and tested in production facilities in nearby buildings before going into production at VELUX manufacturing facilities around Europe.  

“I am very excited about what we can achieve by bringing colleagues together in LKR Innovation House to co-create, test and develop what will drive the future of VELUX,” says Tina Mayn. “We worked closely with our partners to use the best materials and processes in this building and to bring as much daylight and fresh air inside. The result is a unique atmosphere where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship will undoubtedly flourish.”  

Optimised indoor climate and focus on nature 

Fresh air and daylight flow optimally throughout the building so its indoor climate is ideal for comfortable and healthy working conditions. Nature is also a key element in the building’s interior design. There are courtyards with trees and most workspaces have views of either these or outdoor planted areas to inspire creativity.  

A recreational park open to the general public called Nature Østbirk is also visible from parts of LKR Innovation House and adds to the peaceful ambience. This park is in a 70,000 m² forest owned for the last 30 years by the VELUX Group. 

Photo: Adam Mørk

Key facts about LKR Innovation House 

• The greatest savings of building materials came from maintaining and repurposing the original concrete slab, existing roof construction and supportive wooden beams (glulam purlin), wooden facades, roof overhang and internal concrete walls.  
• LKR Innovation House has a carbon footprint of 4.6 kg CO₂e/m²/year. (The carbon footprint is calculated by Søren Jensen engineers and third-party verified by Artelia engineers.) 
• The carbon footprint is well below Danish building regulations for offices, and it will remain below requirements for years to come. At the time of inauguration in May 2025, the level is at 12 kg CO₂e/m²/year, dropping to 7.5 kg CO₂e/m²/year for offices from July 2025, then to 6.8 kg CO₂e/m²/year in 2027 and to 6.1 CO₂e/m²/year in 2029. 
• LKR Innovation House is located in Østbirk, in western Denmark where VELUX established in 1946 its first-ever factory to manufacture roof windows. 
• The building that houses LKR Innovation House was originally built in 1994 as a warehouse and logistics centre made of wood and it was opened in 1995. 
• Wood is used as the primary construction material in the conversion to LKR Innovation House to reduce embodied carbon. 
• The original wood and other materials in LKR Innovation House have been carefully restored and repurposed. 
• Construction work to convert the warehouse began in February 2023. 
• The original 9,500 m² warehouse is modified to meet current building standards and converted inside to suit its new purpose as a state-of-the-art innovation facility of 14,000 m². 
• The building can be easily adapted to changing workplace needs as it has a flexible internal modular-based grid system. 
• The 20,000 m² area surrounding the building is landscaped with respect for the natural habitat. 
• Nature is integrated into the building, so that as far as possible each work area has a view to a green courtyard or the surrounding natural landscape. 
• More than 400 VELUX windows are installed in LKR Innovation House to bring daylight and fresh air into most indoor spaces. 

Partners on the LKR Innovation House project: 

• Praksis Arkitekter was the architect firm responsible for the design. 
• Søren Jensen was the consulting engineering company. 
• DETBLÅ was responsible for landscape design work. 
• BRIQ handled spatial design. 
• KG Hansen was the construction company. 
• DAI was the client consultant. 
• Holmris B8, Spant Studio, FRIIS & MOLTKE and KASPER MOSE were responsible for interior design. 

Read more on https://buildforlife.velux.com/en/LKRInnovationHouse 

Roof-window maker VELUX and sustainable developer igloo Regeneration agree to build homes based on the Living Places concept as part of an ambitious city-wide project to transform Sunderland into a connected, international city with opportunities for all.

VELUX Group and sustainable developer igloo Regeneration are launching a partnership to build new homes in Sunderland as part of an ambitious city-wide regeneration project. The homes will be built based on the principles of ‘Living Places’, a prototype development in Denmark that VELUX inaugurated to showcase how to build with a low carbon footprint while also providing a healthy indoor environment. Living Places Copenhagen has won several awards including ‘Best Residential Project’ at last year’s MIPIM Awards, the real estate industry’s prestigious global awards that celebrate sustainable and visionary projects. Sunderland City Council attended the event earlier this year to forge stronger relationships with private sector partners, as it pushes ahead with plans to transform its urban core.

The homes in Sunderland will feature a mixed tenure of townhouses, maisionettes and apartments and will be built on a brownfield site adjacent to City Hall. Around 50 homes will be created, to house approximately 120 residents. The development is due to commence in 2026 and expected to be completed in 2027.

VELUX Group and igloo Regeneration ambitious city-wide regeneration project in Sunderland render.

The development is part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration, one of the Uk’s most exciting urban regeneration projects, where Sunderland City Council is leading the delivery of 1,000 new homes, 1 million sq ft of employment space, Culture House, the Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy, a new eye hospital, a 13ha riverside park, and a new footbridge crossing the River Wear that will link the city centre with Sheepfolds Stables and the Stadium of Light on the north side of the river .

“The plans to regenerate Sunderland are visionary in their ambition and scope and will create a vibrant city,” said Alex O’dell, Vice President for GB&I at VELUX. “We are delighted to be partnering with igloo to create beautiful new homes that will be built to the highest standards of sustainable construction and energy efficiency while also being fantastic to live in.

“We’ve demonstrated through the success of our Living Places prototype that homes can be built with a much lower than normal carbon footprint from inception to completion and that this concept can be scaled in a cost-effective way. Additionally, having a focus on good ventilation and plenty of daylight generates an optimal indoor climate that supports householders’ health and wellbeing.”

The developer igloo Regeneration supported the Council with the production and implementation of the Riverside Sunderland masterplan and the delivery of Expo Sunderland, an event programme to enable residents and businesses to engage in the city's transformation.

Insi Khushnood, Development Director at igloo Regeneration said: “We’re excited to be working with VELUX and Sunderland City Council to pilot the Living Places concept, bringing healthy and sustainable homes to Sunderland. This collaboration is about more than just building houses, it is about reimagining the way we live, creating spaces that support wellbeing, connect people to nature, and raise the bar for quality in new homes. Together, we’re demonstrating what’s possible for the future of housing.”

VELUX Group and igloo Regeneration ambitious city-wide regeneration project in Sunderland render.

Sunderland City Council’s City Plan is to create a connected, international city with opportunities for all in the coming decade. The three main aims are for it to be dynamic, healthy and vibrant, and the council believes the city should play its part in tackling climate change by becoming carbon neutral by 2040. Organisations and stakeholders from many sectors and industries are involved in the transformation of the city.

Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “I am thrilled that this dynamic partnership, driven by Sunderland City Council and fantastic private sector organisations, will deliver more high-quality homes that support health and wellbeing and deliver better outcomes for our residents in the heart of our transforming city centre.

“Our Vaux Housing development – already underway and visible - is pioneering in its approach to sustainability and showcasing the new housing and lifestyle offer that will be available to current and future generations. Riverside Sunderland is an award-winning regeneration scheme and that’s because we’re growing relationships with best-in-class organisations such as igloo and VELUX, to drive forward with our plans for a world-leading new urban district.”

The VELUX Group also continued its efforts on reducing scope 3 emissions in its value chain in 2024. Scope 3 emissions decreased slightly to 1,153kt CO₂e - a 0,53% decrease compared to 2023. This is primarily due to efforts to procure and incorporate lower carbon materials in VELUX products. VELUX furthermore entered a long-term agreement with ArcelorMittal to ensure a ten-year guaranteed supply of lower-carbon-emission-steel.

A strengthened focus on circularity and biodiversity

In line with the VELUX Group’s ambition to integrate circularity across its value chain, the company initiated four circularity projects across different markets in 2024 to test circular business opportunities in customer offerings. The aim is to gather insights into areas such as take back schemes, refurbishment and maintenance service to be able scale the principles.

In 2024, the VELUX Group accelerated its efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity - an essential foundation for resilient ecosystems and long-term business success. A new methodology was developed to assess biodiversity at VELUX sites, along with a catalogue of concrete actions to improve local ecosystems. The first assessments at six sites in Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Hungary established a baseline to guide future improvements.

“I am very pleased that we continue to make progress on our CO₂ emissions reductions as this is an important task for all companies. As a leader within the roof window category, we have an ambition to drive the circularity agenda together with our partners to further decarbonise the building industry. In 2024, we took important steps to strengthen the circularity of our business, and we are already getting good indications from these projects. Next step will be to focus on how to implement circularity across our business – from the product design all the way to end of use – and most importantly, to do this together with our customers. I’m also pleased that we have increased the number of women in management globally to 31% - an important step towards making VELUX an even more diverse and inclusive company,” says Lars Petersson, CEO of the VELUX Group.  

Additional sustainability highlights from 2024:

·       3-percentage point increase in both women in management (to 31%) and women in senior management (to 35%) and compared to 2023

·       For the second consecutive year, VELUX received a gold rating from the global sustainability ratings organization EcoVadis.

·       VELUX signed up to the EV100 and increased its share of electric cars as part of its total car fleet by 8,74% in 2024

·       VELUX set a new target on Energy intensity of a 56% reduction from baseline year 2015 to 2030 by increasing energy efficiency and energy management

·       VELUX joined the coalition behind the Children’s Living Places project, led by SOS Children’s Villages Denmark. A project aiming to reform the childcare sector in Ukraine and help rebuild homes to foster families with a low CO₂ footprint and a healthier indoor climate based on the Living Places principles.

See more sustainability highlights from 2024: VELUX Sustainability 

Read the full 2024 Sustainability Report here. 

Employees from local roof-window firm VELUX took a heartwarming approach to giving back to the community this year, by delivering over 100 gifts to care home residents in the Glenrothes & Kirkcaldy area ahead of Christmas.

Instead of holding an internal Secret Santa, the VELUX team decided to channel their festive spirit outwards, reaching out to local care homes and purchasing thoughtful gifts for their residents.

Staff donned their Santa hats and visited the Preston Hall (Woodside), West Park (Leslie), Marchmont (Kirkcaldy), and Fernlea (Cardenden) care homes.

This initiative reflects the company’s and staff’s commitment to supporting the local community and spreading joy where it’s needed most.

Lyndsay was joined in the ‘sleigh’ by team colleagues Karla Watt, Ross Paterson & Lisa Cairns as they visited the care homes to deliver the gifts donated by over one hundred staff.

VELUX GB & Ireland, headquartered in Glenrothes, is dedicated to making a difference beyond its business operations. By focusing on meaningful contributions, the company continues to foster a strong bond with the local community, both directly through its staff outreach like this, and local VELUX Employee Foundation activities.

ENDS

Photos:

The call comes as the UK government presses on with ambitious plans to build 1.5 million new homes in England during the current parliament, yet there are no mandatory requirements for daylighting in buildings.

The #DaylightChampion campaign has been seeking to raise awareness of the importance of daylighting in buildings for the health and wellbeing of both people and planet. Research also shows the benefits of daylight in schools, offices and hospitals in terms or learning, productivity and health outcomes.

The event took place in the House of Commons this week and experts from academia and industry put forward their key arguments in favour of better policy. It was hosted by Richard Baker MP who spoke of the importance of daylight for good health outcomes. 

Neil Freshwater, Public Affairs Lead of VELUX GB & Ireland said:

“The policy drivers are about increasing housing supply, cutting energy bills and tackling climate change. These are crucial. However, we spend 90% of our time indoors and in recent years, policy has squeezed the really important elements that consider the health and well-being of occupants – or Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ). Daylight is a key part of this along with indoor air quality, thermal comfort and noise prevention.

“Since July we have been contacting parliamentarians to try and get them to think more consciously about daylighting and to consider championing standards in policy debates which address planning, building and design policy.”

Dr Jens Christoffersen, Lead Daylight Specialist at VELUX and chair of the European Standardization (CEN) committee on Daylight added:

“There is a wealth of research that shows just how important daylight is for human health and well-being, and its impact on productivity at home, school and the workplace. So the case is well made. The UK has some of the greatest experts of daylighting within industry, design and academia, yet it is surprising that, aside from minimal requirements in Scotland, there is little mandatory guidance on this topic.

“The Daylight Standard [BS EN 17037] however provides a basis for adopting standards in local legislation and we have seen this successfully adopted in a number of other jurisdictions across Europe and elsewhere”.

VELUX was joined by experts from across industry, who all addressed the audience:

• Professor Florence Lam, Fellow of Lighting Design at ARUP and visiting professor at University College London (UCL)
• Professor John Mardaljevic, Chair of CIBSE Daylight Group, daylighting consultant, and emeritus professor in daylighting at Loughborough University.
• Dr Cosmin Ticleanu, Principal Daylighting Consultant at BRE and lecturer at UCL.
• Dr Ruth Kelly Waskett, Project Director at Hoare Lea and past-president of the Society of Light and Lighting, and visiting lecturer at UCL.

Parliamentarians who participated included:

• Richard Baker MP
• Graeme Downie MP
• Sadik Al-Hassain MP
• The Lord Best OBE DL
• Alan Gemmell MP
• Katrina Murray MP
• Office of Julia Buckley MP
   

ENDS

 These awards aim to showcase projects where the integration of daylight has significantly enriched interior spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By viewing natural light as a fundamental architectural component, the awards spotlight innovative designs that prioritise light as a key factor in creating inspiring environments.  

With entries now open for submission , the awards will honour exceptional projects across two categories: Light, Space and Atmosphere and Heritage Conservation.

Light, Space and Atmosphere

This category highlights the extraordinary potential of top-lighting in architecture. By introducing skylights or roof windows, designers can unlock hidden opportunities in constrained or deep-plan spaces, adding depth, beauty, and a dynamic sense of weather and skyscapes to interiors.  

The Light, Space and Atmosphere award will recognise UK-based residential projects—both new builds and adaptations—completed in the past three years. Entries should incorporate VELUX sloped or flat roof windows as part of a thoughtful and creative approach to daylighting. These projects could range from reimagined circulation areas to everyday spaces brought to life by playful shadow and light.  

Heritage Conservation

Restoring historic and heritage buildings requires a delicate balance of respect for tradition and innovation. Thoughtful introduction of daylight can elevate such projects, while maintaining their structural and aesthetic integrity.  

This special category celebrates projects using the new VELUX Heritage conservation roof window range to bring light into historic buildings in ways that honour their character and value. The award acknowledges the craftsmanship and creativity involved in preserving the spirit of these treasured spaces while making them more functional and at the same time, enticing

How to Enter

Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of experts, chaired by RIBAJ contributing editor Chris Foges. The jury includes:  
 

• Richard Williams, Senior Architectual Development Manager at VELUX
• Percy Weston, Co-founder of Surman Weston, whose Peckham House is shortlisted for the 2024 RIBA House of the Year Award
• Deniz Beck, Conservation Architect and Founder of Deniz Beck Partners
• Gianni Botsford, Director of Gianni Botsford Architects 

The Daylight from Above Awards celebrate the art and science of designing with natural light, inspiring future innovations in architecture. Stay tuned for further details on how to submit your project.

Prize-winners in each category will receive £5000, commended entries will be awarded £1000, and all shortlisted entries will be published in the RIBAJ.

Thereby the basic promise of the VELUX brand, to bring daylight and fresh air into people’s lives, will reach fans of the Tour de France all over the world. In 2024, this reach cumulated to 1 billion TV viewing hours.

Furthermore, an extra 14,000 participants from all over the world participating in the Étape du Tour de France, the largest cycle sports event in Europe, which the VELUX partnership also includes, will get a first-hand experience of daylight and fresh air while competing.

The partnership kicks off from 2025 and covers the 21-stages of the Tour de France event and the 9 stages of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift event. The men’s event runs from July 5-27 and the women’s event runs from July 26 to August 2.

"We are incredibly proud to welcome VELUX, an international group based in Denmark, as a partner of both the men's and women's versions of the Tour de France,” says Yann Le Moënner, Managing Director, ASO.  “We share with the VELUX Group a culture of innovation, local roots and the ambition to make a big positive impact wherever we go. Joining forces made perfect sense. We are thrilled to have VELUX at our side to shine a new spotlight on every rider."

Partnership details
Through the partnership, the VELUX brand will be displayed on the bibs located on the back of each rider’s jersey together with their racing number. Furthermore, VELUX will also be associated with the notorious Lantern Rouge of the pelotons and thus be backing the last rider of the race’s General Classification. It is through these brand presences that VELUX will be “Behind Every Rider”, whether they are professionals or amateurs, during the upcoming editions of the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the Etape du Tour de France.

2nd August 2024 — VELUX is delighted to announce its continued support for the Housing Design Awards, marking the fifth consecutive year of partnership since 2020. The Housing Design Awards were established by the UK government in 1948, the same year the NHS was launched, to emphasise the vital link between good housing design and public health. This heritage resonates strongly with VELUX's vision of promoting healthy homes through innovative design.

Richard Williams, Senior Architect Development Manager at VELUX, stated: "Our partnership with the Housing Design Awards reflects our commitment to fostering healthy and sustainable living environments. Good design is at the heart of both VELUX and the Housing Design Awards, and we are proud to support an initiative that recognises projects making a real difference to people's lives."

The Housing Design Awards are run by Design For Homes, a social enterprise that provides support and consultancy services to the building industry.

David Birkbeck, CEO of Design for Homes, added: ”the VELUX support has been instrumental in helping us uphold the integrity and impact of the Housing Design Awards. Their dedication to quality and health aligns perfectly with the values we champion in the awards."

The Housing Design Awards continue to be a unique fixture in the UK, backed by the government and major housing and professional institutes. Unlike many other awards, the judges physically visit each project to ensure the highest standards are met, underscoring the rigorous evaluation process. This year, 180 projects were submitted, with nearly 50 schemes shortlisted. The winners will be announced on 12 September 2024.

For more information including details of the 2024 finalists, visit hdawards.org.

From unpredictable irritability to the never-ending feeling of being uncomfortable, the phenomenon, ‘Heatred’, refers to an individual who has developed a hatred for the heat. 

New research by VELUX, the world’s leading roof window manufacturer, shows that a shocking one in four (23 per cent) of Brits experience Summertime Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD), which can be caused by heat, humidity and pollen.

With the more commonly known term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often associated with reduced exposure to daylight during the autumn and winter months, research suggests that SSAD has soared as temperatures have. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of Brits also admitted to feeling irritated by the heat, with only two in five (40 per cent) claiming the heat makes them happy. One in seven (14 per cent) Brits also claim to be more sensitive to little annoyances in hotter months. 

To escape the confines of our kiln-like homes, Brits are taking to visiting the freezer aisles (25 per cent) and even enjoying their car’s air-con (13 per cent) to beat the heat.  But for the quarter of us (27 per cent) who have no escape from our hot houses, Heatred can be our constant companion.  

Unfortunately, the research also uncovered that ‘Home is where the Heatred is’ with one in seven saying they can never cool down in their homes – which can then have a knock-on impact on mental health and wellbeing. 

Brits have also revealed the weird and wonderful ways they attempt to cool down in their scorching homes, ranging from sitting with feet in cold water, to wrapping themselves in a soaking wet shawl. However, beating Heatred sustainably and effectively all starts with heat-proofing your home.

For those not planning a home renovation anytime soon, fear not! VELUX has shared a few short-term fixes which can make all the difference. 

Top tips on beating the ‘Heatred’ 

• Protect your home from the outside: Similar to applying SPF onto your skin before stepping out into the scorching sun, we can apply the same logic to our homes. External heat protection on your windows is a great way to stop the heat before it gets into your home, giving you optimal heat control.  
• Air out your space:  At cooler points in the day, such as first thing in the morning and later in the evening, crack open the windows on opposite sides of the home to create a cross breeze that speeds up ventilation throughout the entire home. After 5 to 10 minutes, air in the home has been replaced with fresh air, which not only cools you down, but benefits overall wellbeing.
• Strip your bedsheets: Get rid of fluffy pillows and cosy blankets in the bedroom this summer – create a cool space to sleep in.
• Stay hydrated: It is easy to dwell in the irritation when your home is too hot, but ensure you look after your health during hotter days – loading up on water is a great start.
• Cool down your extremities: Research shows that some Brits go to the extent of dousing their wrists in cool water or dunking their feet in an ice bath. Our hands and feet work as heat removal for the body – so will temporarily keep you ice cold!

As a global leader in home improvement, VELUX is on a mission to raise awareness of how to keep your home cool this summer, ensuring the home can be a summer sanctuary. VELUX can help to keep your home cool with the simple addition of blinds and shutters.

A legacy of innovation and commitment

The VELUX journey in the UK began even before the official establishment of its business in June 1954. The company recognised the potential to revolutionise attic spaces post-WW2 in London, providing much-needed housing solutions for displaced populations. The first VELUX roof window was installed in London in 1948, and the introduction of the top-hung VELUX GGL window in 1968 significantly boosted the company’s growth across the UK.

In the early 1970s, VELUX relocated its primary activities from London to Scotland, establishing the first VELUX factory outside Denmark. This strategic move allowed the company to expand its manufacturing capabilities and better serve the growing UK market. By March 1973, the Glenrothes factory had produced its first roof window, marking the beginning of a new chapter for VELUX in the UK.

Continuous growth and sustainable practices

Throughout the decades, VELUX has maintained a steadfast commitment to running a responsible business and to increasingly use technologies and materials to reduce the carbon footprint from its products and production. In 2006, the company was awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation, a testament to its pioneering efforts in sustainable development. Despite the challenges posed by the global recession, VELUX invested in a new flagship facility in Fife, which opened in 2020, reinforcing its commitment to the local community and sustainable practices.

Celebrating the milestone

To commemorate its 70th anniversary, VELUX will host a full-day conference for all Great Britain and Ireland employees at its office in Glenrothes on June 28, followed by an evening celebration in Edinburgh. This event will not only celebrate the company’s rich history and achievements but also highlight the dedication of its employees, many of whom have seen multiple generations work at VELUX.

New research shows that Brits might love sleep more than their spouses – with a staggering 1 in 14 Brits breaking up with a partner due to issues sleeping in the same bed, including 1 in 12 (8%) women.

The research, commissioned by the world’s leading roof window manufacturer VELUX, reveals another one in ten (11%) Brits have considered dumping their loved one due to sleeping issues – but Brits may be cutting budding relationships short for all the wrong reasons.

In fact, it could be your bedroom, not your partner, keeping you up at night. A third of Brits (31%) in a relationship claim that stuffy air impacts their sleep – and their other half is an innocent party in this sleep stifling.

With almost a further fifth (19%) of Brits that live with a partner claiming that the main argument they have when it comes to sleep is a difference in temperature, it seems many are missing a trick when it comes to keeping the peace.

An ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C, so keeping the bedroom cool creates optimal sleeping conditions... and could mean less spats with the other half.

With everyday chores like cooking clamming up your indoor environment, poor ventilation could also be the culprit in your suffering sleep; so proper ventilation is crucial for your health and your relationship status.

The lack of sleep caused by an unhealthy indoor environment can even make matters worse when it comes to those little relationship gripes. Sleep deprivation, made worse by a poor bedroom environment, is known to cause snoring – so manage your indoor climate and nip that age old snoring bicker in the bud.

When asked about tips for improving sleep, Peter said “It is easy to overlook our bedroom environment when it comes to sleep struggles, but this would be a big mistake. Proper ventilation and maintaining a stable and comfortable room temperature is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep – and it might just save your relationship.”

Tips to save your relationship and keep things ‘fresh’ in the bedroom

• Air out your issues

When it comes to having a healthy bedroom (and a healthy relationship), the devil’s in the detail. Understanding the everyday home life activities which cause indoor pollution, such as cooking, cleaning, showering, lighting candles, air drying clothes indoors and even sleeping and breathing is key to tackling the issue. These can, over time, lead to mould and damp homes, impacting our overall wellness – and apparently our relationships. Just air out your home 3-5 times a day for 10-15 minutes, and you’re golden.

• Keep them in the dark

Using black out blinds, especially in the spring and summer months can prevent light from disrupting the creation of melatonin, ideal for a quality snooze.

• Getting too hot under the covers?

For a good night's sleep, the temperature in your bedroom shouldn't drop below 17 degrees Celsius or rise above 20 degrees Celsius. Opening the windows immediately after you wake up and before you go to bed can make a big difference to the air quality within your home.

In the colder months, turning down the heating while you're asleep can help, as long as the temperature isn’t dropped permanently – which can encourage mould growth.

Opening curtains during the day and ensuring enough natural light makes it into your home, can improve mood and encourage creativity.

• Heating up and cooling down

We might all like things steamy in the bedroom, but regulating indoor temperature can work wonders for sleep. Make energy-efficient changes to your home where you can, like double-glazing, cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. This can help to reduce emissions and protect health against cold weather effects.

It is important to keep your bedroom as cool as possible in the summer, so close your windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun and let fresh air in at night. You might also want to get your hands on a humidifier, to reduce moisture and chances of damp and mould.

As a global leader in daylight and fresh air, VELUX is on a mission to raise awareness of how to bring this into our homes, making our houses our sanctuary – and more importantly, making them healthy. VELUX can help to remove indoor pollution and improve the health within our homes.

Time to stop pointing fingers at your partner – it could be your bedroom environment keeping you up at night.

With Allergy UK reporting that almost half of Brits reported experiencing uncomfortable hayfever symptoms, here are some top tips to beating hay fever  from inside your home:

• Give your home a breath of fresh air! Believe it or not but Opening your windows to improve airflow will reduce the presence of allergens in the air, and also help to prevent condensation and damp that could damage your property.
• For hay fever sufferers who are looking to get a  a better night’s sleep, the ideal time to open your window for 15 minutes is when you get up in the morning. This will release allergens and allow for good ventilation.
• To reduce the amount of pollen that ends up trapped indoors, be sure to dust and vacuum your furniture, upholstery and floors often.
• It’s also worth remembering that pollen is not the only cause of allergy, as pets can also be a source of indoor air pollutants. So, be sure to give your pet a bath once in a while, and don’t forget to groom his coat outdoors.
• Dust mites are also everywhere. Similar to pollen reduction, dust mites can be kept to a minimum by making regular cleaning a habit. Be sure to wash bed linens and blankets in hot water, and don’t be afraid to break out the carpet steamer a few times per year.
• Allergy sufferers may also want to consider using allergen-reducing pillow and mattress cases.

VELUX has developed a new, patented solution in collaboration with various installers: an Adjustable Middle Gutter that will provide significantly more flexibility during installation. VELUX has always attached great importance to making the installation of its products as easy as possible for roofers. Previously with combination installations, the rafter spacing had to be measured before the fitting date; the Adjustable Middle Gutter ensures it always fits to the actual rafter dimensions, providing peace of mind when it is not possible to obtain exact measurements.

The Adjustable Middle Gutter is first attached to the left-hand window and pushed into the lower part of the flashings from above. It can then be pushed up to the right-hand window by a maximum of 60mm, depending on the window spacing. This means there is no need to measure the gap in advance and irregular rafters will no longer pose a challenge.

The VELUX Adjustable Middle Gutter has been expertly engineered, its multi-layered drainage system captures and guides rainwater effectively to shield the roofline and ensure watertightness.

Simplified ordering, insulation and joining sections

Like the insulation and joining sections, this new Adjustable Middle Gutter will become a standard accessory in VELUX’s combination flashings offering. Tradesmen will now receive everything they need to install the combination solution with just one order – and a perfect fit is guaranteed. The bottom aprons have also been optimised: the area between the roof window will no longer be pleated but manufactured smooth. The skirts are labelled to indicate whether they are used on the right or left-hand side. Adhesive tape can then be used to seal the overlapping bottom aprons easily and securely.

"It was important to us to make it much easier for tradespeople to fit our window combinations. With developing the Adjustable Middle Gutter together with installers, we have solved challenges that have arisen in the past. I am sure that we have now found a solution that will offer real added value in practice," says Kevin Bode, Product Manager at VELUX.

Images and Captions – a step by step guide to installation

The new adjustable middle gutter of the combi flashings makes it much easier to fit VELUX combination installations. The Adjustable Middle Gutter is first attached to the left-hand window and pushed into the lower part of the flashing from above.

The new, patented middle gutter can be flexibly moved up to the right-hand window by a maximum of 60mm, depending on the window spacing.

The bottom aprons each indicate whether they are used on the right or left side.

On the outer side, the bottom aprons will be pleated as usual; the area between the skylights will be smooth for easier processing.

The adhesive tape can be used to seal the stacked, smooth bottom aprons easily and securely.

The New VELUX PRO+ COMBINATION FLASHING SET

The VELUX Adjustable Middle Gutter is included in the VELUX Pro+ combination flashing set, types EKW and EKL. The Pro+ combination flashing set has all you need in one box for flawless installation.

As the days (finally!) begin to lengthen, thoughts are drawn towards the promise of spring, sunshine, and fresh warm air. New TV series, Alan Cumming’s Paradise Homes celebrates inspiring architecture and daylight within homes. Most of the beautiful properties featured on the show have which been designed to welcome that feeling of spring daylight and fresh air inside, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. 

Alan Cumming’s Paradise Homes airs on Mondays at 9pm on HGTV and streams on discovery+. An enchanting, fantasy-filled property series, we see some incredible homes around the world which all champion the beauty of natural light. Fuelled by his secret passion for architecture, Scottish big-screen star, Alan Cumming, is let loose inside eleven unique properties. He meets the inspiring creators who have designed and constructed the home of their dreams. 

From a glass-fronted waterside retreat on a tiny Swedish island, to a family home built above a cave in Sicily lit by roof windows, a unique, sustainable water fronted home on the Norfolk Broads and a glasshouse on the Sound of Mull in Scotland – they were all designed to embrace fresh air and daylight. 

Norfolk ...  

In episode 1, Alan kicks off the TV series by taking to the water of the Norfolk Broads where he meets a family whose paradise home is in a beautifully serene setting by the water.  

This unique, sustainable water fronted home was designed by its owner, renowned architect, Patrick Michell, who founded Platform 5 Architects. The home is fitting of its beautiful wetland setting, where Patrick’s children can run smoothly between indoors and outdoors, making their way out onto the water. 

The house is arranged as three low rise bays, whose pitched roofs echo the working boat sheds typically found on the Broads. Timber framed, a handful of steel beams support the large, glazed openings. The contemporary home consists of a series of simple living spaces; orientated to face the waterfront. A clean, calming interior framing the views over the water and the vibrant green woodland. Daylight and fresh air are integral to the design.  

Patrick wanted a light-filled space and clever use of glazing allows a controlled light, to avoid getting overheated in summer. An abundance of south facing glazing allows for a limited reliance on artificial lighting, while the deep eaves negate overheating during the summer. They installed a Velux roof window over the kitchen island and also used them in the 1.5 stories-tall hall which helps to draw air through the house and flush out the hot air in summer. This keeps the house naturally nice and cool. 

Scotland...  

On a journey back to his rugged roots in the Scottish Highlands, Alan experiences an extraordinary hidden getaway living in harmony within this ancient land, complete with 360 views and golden eagles circling.   

Architect Roderick James and his wife Amanda created their own paradise in a landscape filled with challenges. Eagle Rock is a design masterpiece hiding in plain sight – its mossy roof and low-lying aspect give the impression it is embedded into the hilltop, while its unique elliptical shape provides panoramic views across the Sound of Mull. This unique fairy tale of a building, perched on a lonely hilltop, is a very modern take on the traditional Scottish broch.     

Roderick and Amanda created a stunning living room with commanding views of the coastline, that flow seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area. With exposed beams and visible bolts, this new building has an old energy to it. The textural design is important - joists in the ceiling, textured plaster on the walls, rather than smoothing it off, mean that the daylight reflects off it in an interesting way. Roderick chose to install Velux roof windows as they give up to three times more daylight than a traditional window, providing a lovely light and shadow moving across the room each day.     

“The outstanding location needed a design that maximised the 360-degree views and dramatic vistas in all directions along the Sound of Mull,” explained Roderick. “Not one of the rooms has a right angle in them, which softens all the areas and rooms within the house. We designed wide overhanging eaves to restrict summer glare while still allowing maximum solar gain in winter for both heat and light. In the main living room, rather than the high glazed gables which you so often see, and which allow irritating glare - we used large Velux roof windows which provide an ever-changing, lovely light quality in all seasons without any glare.” 

Sweden...  

Alan ventures to the edge of the Baltic Sea to meet a family who has created an island getaway home made up of open and airy, naturalistic design on a tiny Swedish island, evoking curiosity and melting indoor and outdoor together.   

Danish Majken Ronne and her Swedish husband, Emanuel Gavert, have built. A self-sustained space to recharge and build up collective creative moments  

‘Goda’ is an island hideout on Svartsö, Sweden, a tiny island two hours’ boat ride from Stockholm with a permanent population of just 80 people. This island hideout has been carefully designed to create a village feel with different spaces inviting you to interact with nature. The distribution of spaces forces you to experience nature very directly. If you leave the dining area to go sleep, you cross the land, to engage with the nature physically.  

The island hideout consists of the main house, a guest house (‘Mini Goda’), a workshop, a sauna, a greenhouse, an Orangerie, hot tub, children’s playhouse, vegetable garden and a pontoon for swimming. The couple’s core design principles for their dream home build were to build as sustainably as possible. 

The couple wanted to create a feeling and interplay with nature. Every window invites you to take a second look. The roof windows never stop surprising the family. Sleeping under the stars is never, ever the same experience, “You never sleep under the same sky twice”, explains Majken. 

Sicily...  

Alan travels to a traditional Sicilian family home built above an ancient cave.  A traditional farmhouse from the early 19th century, it is made entirely out of stone and is tucked away amongst the copse of citrus trees, high in the Sicilian hills. It has some very strong roots that go back in time in both a literal and personal sense, as Mark’s family lived on the site for three generations.  

Sicilian homeowner and architect Mark Cannata’s roots really do run deep in the Sicilian hills and after his wife sadly passed away, Mark found that renovating this centuries-old barn helped him to plan for the future.  

As a first step, he set in motion plans to reinvigorate a rundown house a stone’s throw from his family. His goal was to achieve a modern interior, whilst keeping the outside of the house as untouched as possible.  

Mark has created a comfortable, practical family home that includes copious amounts of natural light, thanks to the clever use of eight Velux roof windows fitted in the high ceilings. Using a mix of simple materials, he has been able to create the perfect spot for himself and daughter Mia, to enjoy this stunning Sicilian setting. 

Initially, the 200-year-old house only had three small windows which didn’t let in a lot of light, and Mark didn’t want to alter the original exterior walls; instead, Mark decided to add eight windows to the roof, solving his lighting conundrum beautifully. Mark’s smart lighting solution was to create double height, angled light wells which let light bounce off the bright white walls to the downstairs living spaces. The white walls and clean lines are a minimalist dream, and a clever way to make a small space seem feel bigger. Mark has worked wonders with this small space, making sure to maximise every square inch for family life. 

Alan Cumming’s Paradise Homes, Mondays at 9pm on HGTV and available to stream on discovery+ 

To watch Alan visiting some of the world’s most unique and remote ‘paradise’ properties in stunning new TV series, click here:  

Norfolk: Episode 1  - Alan Cumming's Paradise Homes S1 Ep.1.mp4 
Sweden: Episode 2  - Alan Cummings Paradise Homes S1 Ep.2.mp4 
Scotland: Episode 3  - Alan Cummings Paradise Homes S1 Ep.3.mp4 
Sicily: Episode 4 - Alan Cummings Paradise Homes S1 Ep.4.mp4 

Introducing Alan Cumming’s Paradise Homes, a new show celebrating inspiring design and daylight on Mondays from 12th February at 8pm on HGTV and stream on discovery+.    

Alan Cumming’s Paradise Homes is an enchanting, fantasy-filled property series proudly sponsored by VELUX, that tells the story about some incredible homes around the world which all celebrate the beauty of natural light. Fuelled by his secret passion for architecture, Scottish big screen star, Alan Cumming, is let loose inside eleven unique properties. He meets the inspiring creators who have designed and constructed the home of their dreams; from a glass fronted waterside retreat on a tiny Swedish island, to a family home built above a cave in Sicily lit by roof windows and a glasshouse on the Sound of Mull in Scotland. Across five episodes, this series allows Alan to snoop around each property discovering what really makes a home, paradise. 

Most of the homes in the show are far removed from urban life, with the owners often relocating for exactly that reason. The notion of paradise has a sense of escapism, with many properties designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor. Sustainability goes hand in hand with celebrations of nature, fresh air and daylight in each of these slices of personal paradise. Family is also a recurring priority for the projects, with many designed to welcome guests and loved ones of all ages.

As we enter the colder months, and homeowners are faced with potential challenges, looking after the health of our home is increasingly important. A recent study commissioned by VELUX found that 26% of people stated dampness would make their home a less enjoyable place to live.  This was followed by condensation (26%), mould (25%) and draft from doors or windows (17%).

More than a third (40%) confess to turning off radiators in unused rooms in an attempt to improve the comfort of their home, whilst nearly half (46%) resort to drinking hot beverages to stay warm.  However these short-term solutions are unsustainable and will also impact your energy costs. Implementing structural changes will offer better and longer-lasting benefits.

Despite only 10% carrying out energy efficiency checks in their home every year, a practical 29% have opted to replace their windows, including their roof windows, ensuring long-term savings and better living conditions.

Benefits of Renovation

With 43% of respondents already having undertaken home renovations in the past 10 years, 67% of those reported that their home were more energy efficient, and more than half (51%) are now saving money on bills. Additional benefits included half (50%) experiencing warmer homes during the colder months, 45% noticing fewer drafts, 31% recognising the positive environmental impact, and over a quarter (27%) understanding the resale value and benefiting from reduced noise.

With rising energy bills concerning nearly nine out of ten people (89%), many homeowners are in the dark about the long-term impact home improvements could have. Roofs, roof windows, windows and doors play a pivotal role in determining your home's energy efficiency. However, with a staggering 67% of Brits not performing regular checks, and only a quarter (25%) feeling confident about checking the energy efficiency of their windows and roof windows, neglecting a simple check up could potentially result in energy bills increasing. Almost half (41%) of consumers are unaware of the potential savings achievable by improving their home’s energy efficiency, with a quarter (25%) believe this to be 10% or less, when in fact if they were to replace them with best-practice windows they could make a 22% heat saving.*

Home Health Check-up

With 29% of individuals finding that very cold indoor temperatures make their home a less enjoyable place to live, VELUX has created a simple guide to help people make quick checks to their windows and roof windows, and therefore also enhance their home's health and energy efficiency.

To conduct an Energy Efficiency assessment for your home, follow these straightforward checks recommended by VELUX:

·       Look for signs of misting/condensation, which should usually only be visible on a single-paned window

·       Check for draughty, cool air, which you can feel on your skin

·       Assess temperature differences between rooms with a thermometer (with the window completely closed, including closed ventilation flaps)

·       Inspect for gaps between the sash frame and glazing

·       Examine for mould build-up

·       During storms and heavy rain, check if water pushes through the window

·       Light a candle and hold it against the window to see if the flame flickers

·       Check for warped window frames, recognizable by sluggish opening and closing

·       Evaluate your energy bills (additional suggestion, not window-specific)

·       Place a piece of paper between the window and the frame and try to pull it toward you through the closed window

By following these checks you can gain initial insights into whether replacing your roof windows is required, and if you need to engage the advice of an expert to guide you to start the journey toward creating a more energy-efficient, budget-friendly, and comfortable living space.

Made primarily from recycled materials, their carbon footprint is significantly reduced, compared to other collections, making them more natural by design. Designed for maximum light control, perfect fit and long-lasting performance, they are the natural choice for getting the most out of your VELUX roof windows.

Feel more at home with nature

With both blackout and translucent options to choose from, and a range of eight unique calm and soft colours, they will help you create the mood you want with blinds inspired by nature.

The colours have been delicately selected in cooperation with the Danish trend agency PEJ. The focus is on calm, soft and dusty colours that complement each other, the nature surrounding us, as well as the trend of bringing more colours into the home.

More natural by design

With its Sustainability Strategy 2030, VELUX made a commitment to capturing its historical CO2 emissions and reaching carbon neutrality by 2041 – its 100-year anniversary. Acting sustainably has always been in its nature at VELUX. That’s why in 2020 VELUX introduced a pioneering new commitment as they enter what the UN calls the Decade of Action. Its plan is to dramatically reduce its future carbon emissions in line with science and at the same time capture its historical carbon footprint all the way back to the time of its founding in 1941 by protecting and restoring forests. At its centennial anniversary in 2041, VELUX will be Lifetime Carbon Neutral. To capture its historical carbon footprint, VELUX has started a 20 year-long partnership with WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) on forest and nature projects around the world.

Going forward, VELUX will drive down its future carbon emissions by accelerating its investments in energy efficiency, shift to 100% renewable electricity, as well as substantially change the way they specify and purchase materials for its products.

The new Nature Collection blinds are primarily made from recycled materials – which reduces their carbon footprint significantly compared with other collections – making them more natural

Elements to achieve the CO2 reductions

The construction of the blinds has been thoroughly examined and 3 areas were identified to work with, namely aluminium, cloth and the packaging.

●        Profiles: Hydro CIRCAL 75R aluminium made with min. 75% recycled post-consumer scrap.

●        Cloth:

o   Blackout: Initially 50% recycled textile – during 2023 will increase to 100% recycled textile

o   Translucent: 100% recycled textile

●        Packaging: Plastic-free, single material (paper/cardboard) and 100% recyclable.

The blinds are certified according to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® (2276-378) and are guaranteed free from harmful substances. All VELUX blinds are assembled at its European production facilities, which are certified according to STeP by OEKO-TEX® (22002567), and the different components of the Nature Collection blinds are sourced from European suppliers.

To find out more information on the Nature Collection visit:

 https://www.veluxblindsdirect.co.uk/product/velux-blinds/nature-collection