Developers and property owners are expected to give a warm welcome to a new system just launched by Schueco UK Limited. Known as the Schueco ERC 50 Renovation Façade, it allows an office building to be given a complete external facelift, including the installation of ProSol TF thin-film PV modules if required, without the need for the occupants to move out.

This makes it the ideal solution for the fast, cost-effective renovation of properties from the '60s, '70s and '80s, many of which are in imminent danger of becoming rental 'white elephants' because they have inadequate insulation, high running costs and no longer meet CO2 emissions limits. The fact that they can now be refurbished without disruption to the occupiers or loss of rental income makes the Schueco ERC 50 Renovation Façade a very attractive commercial proposition.

The installation process begins with an external load-bearing construction being fitted by means of fixing brackets onto the grid of the building structure. This allows non-load-bearing spandrel areas to be spanned. The grid is then filled with new Schueco AWS high-insulation windows and a variety of infill panels; choices include insulated metal panels, all-glass-look panels and ProSol TF photovoltaic modules, the latter making the building eligible for valuable Feed-in Tariff payments.

As soon as the building is weather-tight, the old windows are removed from the inside and the openings are made good. Other proven Schueco systems such as external solar shading, decentralised ventilation with heat recovery, and mechatronic windows can be specified and included in the façade as optional design extras.

Once work has been completed, the building's Schueco ERC 50 Renovation Façade will provide high levels of insulation leading to lower running costs, reduced CO2 emissions, a more comfortable working environment and if ProSol TF modules have been incorporated, a new income stream as well. In addition, the revitalised appearance and enhanced image of the property will dramatically improve its rental potential or resale value.