Approximately 40% of total energy demand in Europe are consumed in buildings, a majority thereof for heating and warm water. However, even the best insulation is useless when thermal bridges are not taken into consideration. Already today, windows and doors are able to contribute considerably to energy saving, for example, by integrating special insulation cores directly into the window profile. Ceresana analyzed the European market for windows and doors that are utilized in the construction industry already for the second time: The analysts expect a sales volume of a total of 222 million units for 2024.Funds for Smart Buildings
The market for windows and doors is not only influenced by funding of energy efficient new constructions, but also, to a large extent, by support programs for energetic renovation of existing buildings. There is a Europe-wide framework for this topic: Shortly after the climate summit in Paris in December 2015, the European Parliament adopted a draft with ambitious climate protection goals. The topic energy efficiency of buildings is of high importance in it. Implementation of the EU building regulations (EPBD) will play a major role. Realization into national law has to be reasonable, practical, and controllable. In late 2016, a proposition to change the directive 2010/31/EU concerning overall energy efficiency of buildings under the framework of the package of measures “Clean Energy for All Europeans” was submitted. Also in late 2016, the European Commission launched the initiative “Smart Finance for Smart Buildings”, which is to create incentives for public and private investments in energy efficiency of buildings. Besides suitable insulation material, modern windows and doors are at the center of attention.
The Bottom Seems to Be Passed
The European market for windows and doors has lost a large share of volume since the economic crisis of 2009. However, the downward trend seems to be stopped for the time being. Demand on the part of the construction industry shows a slight upswing in most countries. In Western Europe, positive development is to be expected in Scandinavia and Germany in particular. In the eastern part of Europe, a lot of building activity is observable in Poland. In Turkey, growth is rather moderate compared to the past, however, it is still, on average, significantly above 2 percentage points throughout the entire forecasting period.
Wood-Aluminum and PVC More and More Popular
In regard to materials used for window frames, considerable regional differences are to be observed. Wood-aluminum combinations are gaining market shares throughout Europe. PVC windows continue to enjoy a high popularity due to the good price-performance ratio and the low maintenance effort and will be able to raise their overall market volume in the upcoming eight years, despite major declines in Russia. In the segment doors, plastic doors grow the fastest on a percentage basis, however, starting at a relatively low absolute level. Especially in the sector exterior doors, metal or metal composites become more and more popular: Security concerns play a major role in this regard. In the segment interior doors, wooden doors remain the unchallenged number one even if plastic doors gain market shares in this sector as well.
Further information: www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/industry/windows-and-doors-europe/