The UFME is advocating for the eligibility of first-generation double-glazed windows for energy renovation grants.

Installed mostly before the year 2000, these windows have thermal coefficients Uw between 3 and 4,5 W/m2.K. They no longer meet current requirements for summer and winter comfort.

Faced with this situation, the UFME (French Union of Window and Door Manufacturers) emphasizes the need to accelerate their replacement in order to support the widespread adoption of energy-efficient home renovations and to respond effectively to France's environmental challenges. To achieve these objectives, it advocates for an evolution of the eligibility criteria for public subsidies (MaPrimeRénov', CEE, etc.) dedicated to renovation work, allowing for the inclusion of first-generation double-glazed windows in the schemes. This is essential for an effective and rapid energy transition in housing.

UFME, in collaboration with its member VELUX, the French Flat Glass Manufacturers Association (CSFVP) and the Union of Flat Glass Transformers (UDTVP), delivered this message during a webinar held in mid-January and available for free replay on the UFME website.

Dedicated to the state of the French residential building stock and the challenges it presents for building energy performance*, the workshop brought together nearly 80 companies, tradespeople, landlords, and institutional representatives. This digital workshop also served as a reminder of the distinction between first-generation and second-generation double glazing. Both are composed of two float glass panes, but the second generation is distinguished by its high thermal insulation performance, with at least one low-emissivity pane.

Energy-efficient home renovations also include windows and doors!

Replacing old windows and doors (first-generation double glazing and single glazing) with thermally efficient solutions is a key step in reducing heat loss and saving energy. This type of work can therefore reduce:

• heating needs increase by 27%.
• primary energy consumption (oil, gas, coal) increased by 18%.
• of 1,2 million tonnes per year carbon emissions.

Beyond improving the comfort and energy class of housing, the implementation of high-performance joinery actively contributes to the sustainability of the building as well as the good health of the occupants (improvement of indoor air quality, acoustic attenuation, etc.).

* TBC Innovations study assessing the state of the existing stock of windows equipping French homes in 2025. Summary available via the link https://club.ufme.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SYNTHESE-ETUDE-TBC.pdf.