LONG-established Ramsgate-based manufacturer Piper double glazing has become the first window company ever to gain the top rating in the Government-supported energy labelling scheme.

A product from Piper and its domestic division Elephant Windows, was awarded the UK’s first 'A' energy rating in the scheme devised as part of the Government’s commitment to the Kyoto Agreement.

The winning window, a bespoke triple-glazed casement type, was designed in partnership with PVC-U systems supplier VEKA plc.

The energy rating label, already a familiar sight on goods such as fridges and freezers, is now applicable to windows but many only achieve 'C' or 'D' and only recently has any company gained even a 'B'.

Piper is also an authorised supplier to the national independent window installers’ organisation, Network VEKA, so is qualified to supply the ‘A’ rated window to more than 100 installer members all over the UK.

Alistair Craig, Piper’s group operations manager, said: "We are increasingly aware of the importance of environmental issues, both to commercial customers and homeowners.

"Through our efforts, we now have the opportunity to offer what is essentially a unique energy saving product in a very competitive market."

Richard Bawden, trade partnerships manager of the Government-supported Energy Savings Trust, said: "We’re delighted that Piper double glazing has developed the first 'A' rated window just months after the labelling scheme was extended to the glazing industry and we hope that this will encourage others to follow the example and develop more energy efficient products.

"The window also qualifies for the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo as a signpost to some of the most energy efficient products on the market."

* Piper was founded in 1962 as a building contractor and began installing PVC-U 15 years later. Now the company employs 160 people producing over 2,500 window frames a week from its 75,000sq ft factory and has a turnover in excess of £15million a year.