Replacing windows can look like the obvious “green upgrade”, but the hidden impact often sits in manufacturing carbon, waste and transport before the first frame is even fitted. In this guide, we break down why aluminium, uPVC and timber frames have very different embodied CO₂e footprints, why carbon payback can take years (sometimes decades), and what happens to millions of replaced frames each year. You’ll also find lower-impact options that keep performance gains without the replacement footprint, including refurbishment, secondary glazing, swapping sealed units, and professional respraying for sound uPVC frames. At Friendly Turtle EcoBlog, we focus on practical home choices that reduce waste, extend product life, and deliver real carbon savings without falling for “replace it all” marketing.
