FenSanReuse

As part of the project “Renovation Methods and Reuse of Windows – Material Passport and Guidance” (FenSanReuse), a holistic investigation is being carried out into the possibilities of renovating windows to improve their energy efficiency using simple and effective measures or otherwise discover when it is actually better to replace those windows. The possible renovation methods are examined in terms of energy efficiency, gray energy, cost-effectiveness, durability and recyclability. Based on the findings, two guidelines will be developed: The first guide deals with renovation methods depending on the age of the building or the age of the windows. The second guideline deals with the handling of used windows including a material passport, which should enable the use of reuse windows in the building permitting processes.

On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the FHNW is leading the research group with the Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Construction and is developing the guidelines, while Zirkular GmbH supports the research project with its reuse expertise.