This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the aim from the 195 countries that are participating, is to reduce emissions and keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. The countries in attendance have recognised that:
- Climate change is a common concern of humankind
- Climate change represents an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to society and the planet
- There is an urgent need to promote universal access to sustainable energy in both developing and developed countries
So now the question is how can we, as individuals, affect climate change and access sustainable energy?
Reducing your carbon footprint daily is how you can start affecting climate change through recycling, using eco-friendly cleaning products, planting trees, using less water and electricity and so much more. Surprisingly enough, this can also be achieved through the building materials used to build your home – specifically your windows and doors.
Through the use of the material PVC for the manufacture of windows and doors, energy efficiency and sustainability in your home can become a reality.
Here are some facts about PVC that contributes towards reducing your carbon footprint:
- Made of 57% common salt and only 43% oil, it takes less non-renewable fossil fuel to make PVC than any other commodity plastic
- PVC consumes less primary energy in its production than any of the other commodity plastics
- PVC has a relatively small carbon footprint as the CO2 emissions used in manufacturing PVC is substantially less than other products, including fresh produce
- PVC based windows account for most “A” rated energy efficient windows
- PVC is fully recyclable and offers an even smaller carbon footprint once recycled into second applications
Teva uses PVC in the production and installation of windows and doors thereby making our windows the most energy efficient in South Africa. One of the main areas of energy loss in any home is around the windows and doors. Our energy efficient uPVC windows ensure comfortable temperatures all year round, no matter what the weather is. This in turn leads to a reduction in electricity costs. Our windows easily achieve an A rating, the highest possible window energy rating (WER) for thermal efficiency. The multi-chamber design of the windows and doors significantly reduces heat loss, keeps out draughts and reduces noise.
Through the simple act of changing your mind-set on which windows and doors to have in your home, you have already made steps towards affecting climate change and affecting sustainability. Our clear and constant goal is a firm commitment to lowering our carbon footprint.