Clearer view for residents at Ravensbourne

Ravensbourne resident Jim La Rooy looks out a self-cleaning glass window, which was installed by...
Ravensbourne resident Jim La Rooy looks out a self-cleaning glass window, which was installed by Ravensdown after previous replacement windows became clouded from emissions. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Ravensdown has begun replacing clouded windows in Ravensbourne with self-cleaning glass as emissions from its plant continue to contribute to glass clouding in the suburb.

The decision to opt for "self-cleaning" glass was made after a window glass survey found that replacement windows of normal glass could become clouded again within two to five years.

Ravensdown plant manager Tony Gray said the company opted to go with titanium dioxide-coated self-cleaning glass, after a review found it was the best option.

Since last year, it had installed the glass at about 30 homes.

Ravensdown began replacing windows in 2004, but Mr Gray would not say how much it had cost the company.

The commitment to replace clouded windows is part of Ravensdown's air discharge permit from the Otago Regional Council.

The next window glass survey is planned for next year and will be advertised throughout the Ravensbourne community.

"Overall, Ravensbourne residents appear to appreciate replacement of clouded window glass and Ravensdown's efforts to further reduce its emissions and mitigate adverse effects as far as is practicable," Mr Gray said.

Ravensbourne resident Jim La Rooy, who lives opposite the fertiliser plant and has had self-cleaning glass installed in his two sun rooms, hoped the new glass would not cloud up.

The glass appeared to be working well after nearly a year, but it was "early days yet", Mr La Rooy said.

Ravensdown had previously replaced Mr La Rooy's windows four or five years ago with normal glass and it had clouded up again, he said.

However, he was quite happy with the way Ravensdown dealt with the community and was not concerned about emissions from the plant.

"I've lived here since 1956, so if I was concerned I would have been long gone," he said.

- vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

 

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