VKG has its sights set on the future

VKG, the industry association Plastic Facade Elements, underwent quite a transition in 2018. Since May 2018, a new board has been at the helm. With great ambitions for the future, where realizing added value for VKG members is the starting point.

The introduction of the Keten Keurmerk, the Completion App and the updated assembly inspection were the prelude in 2018 to many new developments in 2019. At the general membership meeting (ALV) in December 2018, future plans were outlined.VKG Board.

The new VKG board has been busy making plans for the future. A future with ambitions, which board member Jurian Tabbers, Schipper Kozijnen, explained clearly during the ALV using a Roadmap. This shows at a glance the 'Why', 'How' and 'What' of VKG. He explained that the multi-year ambition of the association is a market share of 65%. To this end, various resources are being deployed and new services are being developed. Earlier in 2018, among other things, the Completion App was introduced. This provides clarity to all parties involved in a delivery and speeds up the process. The aim is for all VKG members to deliver digitally by the end of 2019. To support them in this, among other things, the association is offering a practical training course for this in January.

Urban Lofts by Global Architects. (Image: Mirko Merchiori)

Digitized assembly inspection
Albert Zegelaar, VKG director, explained the renewed assembly inspection as part of the quality system. "To deliver a high-quality end product, all links in the supply chain must be ironclad." These quality requirements form the basis and added value of the VKG Seal of Approval. To qualify for a hallmark certificate, installation must be done by certified fitters. Manufacturers and dealers are independently inspected at least once a year for the quality of the installation of the plastic window frames under the VKG Quality Mark. From 2019, a digital checklist will be used for this purpose.

A look ahead
Zegelaar also outlined the main trends in construction to consider in 2019. For example, since 2017, the use of plastic frames has been increasing relative to that of wood, and aluminum is also on the rise. In 2019, the market share of plastic frames in new construction will be 35% and in renovation 54%. Also notable are the increasing scarcity in the labor market, rising labor productivity, the further advance of BIM, the growth of technological innovations that are sometimes difficult to implement in construction, and the fact that 5% of the total Dutch CO₂emissions and 35% of waste streams are construction-related.     

"An increase in circular construction is also noticeable. We are responding to this perfectly with the VKG Recycle system and the plan to work with the facade industry on a circular facade economy. With our recycling system we process approximately 75% of all old plastic window frames. Companies bring their material streams back into the material cycle by collecting them, processing them in an environmentally friendly way and reusing them in the production of new building materials. Together with housing associations, owners' associations, municipalities, architects and property developers, 100% can easily be made out of this."

Urban Lofts by Global Architects (Image: Mirko Merchiori)

Added value through insured guarantee
VKG also faces the challenge of further increasing the value of the Hallmark in 2019, according to Zegelaar. "In this context, we are currently investigating the possibilities of offering customers an insured warranty of up to 10 years on plastic window frames. Even if something happens to the dealer or supplier in the interim. This adds an extra dimension to our promise 'a Keur of additional certainties'."

During her marketing look to the future, Kitty Rossen, VKG Marketing & Communications, indicated the need to further anchor this promise in the market. "To achieve the aspired market share of 65%, VKG's brand awareness and the value of the Hallmark must increase. This will require close cooperation from members and account managers will be mobilized through a Roadshow. We are also approaching the market online so that individuals and companies in their search for new window frames know that the VKG Hallmark is the only hallmark they need to look out for. Social media are an important factor in this."

At that, all attendees were invited to grab their smartphones and start following each other and VKG on Facebook and LinkedIn.

BUVA systems-10 year warranty

Optimal air quality and minimal energy consumption
Rien Wisse, director of VKG partner BUVA and host of the members' meeting, addressed the future with an explanation of the company's own homecare systems. "Starting out as a hardware wholesaler, BUVA has grown into a total supplier offering a suitable future-proof homecare system for every building project. In this, three components, sustainably produced heat, healthy indoor air and securely sealed windows and doors, work optimally together. In addition, the homecare systems are easy to operate via an app."

Each system includes a sustainable, maintenance-free heating solution in the form of a heat pump and/or boiler. But a healthy indoor climate starts with good ventilation. That's why, thanks to built-in smart sensors, the air quality is continuously measured by BUVA mechanical ventilation systems, which then adjust themselves automatically. The result: optimal air quality at minimal energy consumption! In addition, hardware tested for functionality, safety and wind and water tightness forms the basis of the homecare systems. With a 10-year warranty, these systems are also completely future-proof!

Quality and security
Both VKG and BUVA stand for quality and security. This is necessary because of the high Dutch requirements for safely sealed homes and a healthy indoor climate. Companies that cannot offer this guarantee prefer to be excluded from the VKG. Tom Knijn, account manager BUVA: "This is one of the reasons that strong and reliable companies like BUVA are proud of their partnership with VKG."

By working well together VKG, together with all affiliated members and partners, ensures the guarantee of what is important to everyone: a safe and healthy home! "These shared values and ambitions give ample reason to face the future together," concludes Zegelaar. 

Text: Irene Teunissen   |  Image: VKG and BUVA