In the context of rising energy demands and environmental concerns, the plastic doors and windows industry in Beijing has taken a proactive stance to meet the city’s stringent 75% building energy efficiency standards. This initiative is part of the "Energy Conservation Plan for Civil Buildings during the 12th Five-Year Plan," issued by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission. Since 2012, all new residential and public buildings have been required to comply with these energy-saving design standards, marking a significant shift in construction practices.
To support this transition, the China Building Metal Structure Association Plastic Doors and Windows Committee and the Beijing Construction Hardware Door, Window, and Curtain Wall Industry Association organized a technical exchange event titled “Plastic Door and Window Warming: Energy Saving Technology Exchange.†At the event, experts shared insights on advanced thermal insulation technologies, while 18 plastic window and door models were showcased, each featuring heat-insulating coefficients below 2.0 W/m²·K. These developments have helped raise public awareness of the benefits of plastic doors and windows in energy-efficient construction.
Plastic doors and windows, also known as PVC windows and doors, are manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin mixed with over ten types of additives. Through extrusion processes, they are formed into profiles, then cut, reinforced with steel, and welded into frames. Finally, they are fitted with seals, hardware, and glass to complete the product. Their primary advantage lies in their energy-saving performance, which is evident across three key areas.
Firstly, the production process of PVC profiles consumes significantly less energy compared to steel or aluminum—only one-fourth the energy of steel and one-eighth that of aluminum. Secondly, recycling plastic doors and windows is more efficient and eco-friendly than metal alternatives. Unlike metals, which require smelting and casting, plastic can be crushed and reprocessed into new profiles without extensive energy input. The recycled material can even be used to make items like flooring or park benches. Thirdly, plastic doors and windows offer excellent thermal insulation at an affordable price. With a heat transfer coefficient of just 2.0 W/m²·K, they outperform aluminum windows, which require additional thermal breaks to meet standards—resulting in higher costs. In fact, the cost ratio between plastic and aluminum windows is approximately 1:1.8.
Globally, plastic doors and windows have gained significant market share, with countries like Germany (56%), South Korea (62%), and the U.S. (48%) leading the way. In China, the market share stands at around 50%, reflecting growing recognition of their energy-saving potential.
The importance of the heat transfer coefficient in building energy efficiency cannot be overstated. In 2012, Beijing proposed stricter energy efficiency requirements, emphasizing the need for high-performance doors and windows to improve the overall thermal performance of buildings. According to the "Environmental Design Standard for Residential Buildings in Cold and Severe Cold Areas" (JGJ26-2010), the external window heat transfer coefficient limit ranges from 1.8 to 2.8 W/m²·K. In comparison, London and Berlin set much stricter limits at 2.0 and 1.5 W/m²·K, respectively.
Experts like Chen Wei from the China Building Construction Association emphasize that improving the thermal performance of exterior windows is critical. Building energy consumption accounts for nearly one-third of total energy use in Beijing, and enhancing window insulation is a key strategy to reduce heating demand. Additionally, installing shading devices on east and west-facing windows can further reduce air conditioning usage by blocking solar radiation.
Chen Hao, another expert, highlights that modern windows are no longer simple openings in walls but integral components of the building envelope. They must adhere to strict design, manufacturing, and installation standards to ensure optimal performance. Today, domestic manufacturers are also focusing on aesthetic improvements, offering color-coated profiles, film products, and even imported textures that mimic wood or metal.
Yao Bing, president of the China Building Metal Structure Association, praised Beijing’s 75% energy-saving standard as a model for nationwide adoption. He stressed the importance of setting clear size and K-value standards for doors and windows, which will help the industry grow sustainably. As these initiatives continue to gain momentum, the future of energy-efficient building design looks increasingly promising.
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