Background

As buildings contribute to up to 50% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, we believe the role of the construction industry in tackling climate change is pivotal. 21° is a passionate proponent of Passivhaus building design, which it believes offers the most effective and rigorous solution to low carbon construction in the UK.

Passivhaus design includes features such as: maximising use of passive solar gain; super insulation; stringent airtightness standards; and use of mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems. Passivhaus design has been widely established in Europe for over 20 years and offers a cost-effective and proven approach to low carbon construction.

21° has been developing its understanding and expertise in Passivhaus design and offers a comprehensive range of Passivhaus products and services for the UK. By developing expertise in Passivhaus products, 21° hopes to facilitate the construction of Passivhaus buildings in the UK and to promote ‘best practice’ in low carbon construction. 21° has been a member of the AECB since its inception and actively supports the AECB CarbonLite Programme, which promotes Passivhaus design and training. Bill Butcher The company has also been a member of the Passivhaus Trust since 2010.

21° has also been a pioneer in introducing Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified timber for fenestration products in the UK. FSC® certification indicates that the wood used to make a product comes from a forest which is well managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards.

In 2005 21°’s relaunched Ecoplus range was the first UK manufactured window range to use certified FSC® 100% timber. In 2007 21° launched its Ecoclad range – the first FSC certified timber/ aluminium composite window available in the UK. In 2008 21° launched the Ecopassiv window and door range, which is the first certified FSC® 100% window suitable for Passivhaus buildings.

21° actively promotes FSC® certification as the most credible timber certification scheme available and the only one that is endorsed by all major environmental NGOs.

Please note: The Ecoplus, Ecoclad and EcoPassiv ranges have all now been superceded by our FSC® certified windows and door ranges.