Compliance does not equal compromise!

With a huge rise in the number of homes expected to be built in NSW over the next 40 years – up to 1.8 million, according to some counts – an increase in the State’s energy consumption is inevitable. In response to these predictions, the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) has introduced even higher energy targets. From 1 July 2017, these targets have increased by:

• 10 per cent for houses and low-rise units, and
• 5 per cent for mid and high-rises units.

Thermal comfort heating and cooling caps has also increased to the equivalent of around six stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.

The challenge for builders, architects and home owners is to create beautiful, functional spaces which achieve compliance, deliver energy efficiency and, just as critically, ensure the comfort of occupants.

Windows play an enormous role in making spaces liveable. Think natural light, improved ventilation, and a sense of connection with the outdoors. However, with increased energy targets, it’s now more important than ever to choose windows that deliver the highest energy-efficiency possible. After all, the alternative, i.e. smaller windows, is unthinkable!

To ensure compliance with the new BASIX rules, the first thing you need to look for in a window is a low U-Value. The U-Value is the measure of how much heat is transferred through a window. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation properties, i.e. the better it is at keeping the cold or heat out.

Because of their low U-Value, ThermalHEART™ thermally broken window and door systems, are an excellent choice. Thermally broken windows also work with a wide range of performance glazing options, and offer lots of product configurations, excellent strength and durability.

Compliance does not mean compromise! For more information on high-performance, thermally broken windows from AWS, click here.

 

---

RELATED ARTICLES