Japanese window industry visits ‘world leading’ BFRC

A delegation of representatives of the Japanese window industry recently visited the BFRC to learn how BFRC, the UK’s leading window and doorset energy ratings system, was launched and developed.  The visit was funded by the Japanese government.

The Japanese window industry is looking into creating a similar system to that provided by BFRC and specifically came to the UK to meet the BFRC team.  BFRC is considered to be the world-leader in window and doorset energy ratings and the Japanese delegation were here to find out how the system works, how it has been received by the UK industry, and the challenges that have been faced and overcome.

The all day meeting started with a presentation from BFRC Technical Director, Gary Morgan, followed by an in-depth question and answer session.  Giles Willson, BFRC Chairman, welcomed the visitors.  Chris Mayne, BFRC managing director, and Toby Blamey, BFRC compliance manager, were also present.

“BFRC was delighted to host this visit and share our knowledge and experience,” commented Chris Mayne.  “BFRC’s technical expertise and history of operating one of the most successful and oldest established ratings systems is much in demand.  This Japanese industry visit is the latest manifestation of what is worldwide interest.  We would like to thank our colleagues at NSG for arranging this meeting.”

“NSG Group is part of the industry body in Japan looking at window and doorset energy ratings.  We obviously thought of BFRC and initiated a meeting,” added Phil Brown, European Regulatory Marketing Manager, for NSG group.  “Sharing the learnings gained from launching, operating and growing a successful system could be invaluable.”

The Japanese delegation comprised:  Professor Hideyo Nimiya
( Kagoshima University), Professor Akihiro Nagata
(Tokyo Metropolitan University),  Eiji Sakuma
( Nichibei – shading devices manufacturer), Kazunori Takada
(Excel Shanon  – PVC window manufacturer), Dr Taito Kinoshita and Tomoko Shiozaki (Nippon Sheet Glass), Hiroshi Mine (Japan Construction Material & Housing Equipment Industries Federation), Dr Shinji Hagihara (Japan Testing Center for Construction Materials), Lecturer Kiyoshi Itami (University of Shiga Prefecture), Takashi Gondo (Kajima Corporation – general constructor),  Dr Koichiro Saito (YKK AP – window frame manufacturer).

The meeting was held at Glaziers Hall.