With the introduction of the new Building Code of Australia standard on the 1st May 2011, all new building work and large renovations are now required to attain a minimum 6 Star energy rating.
It is also necessary for new projects to obtain an energy efficiency assessment, also known as a thermal performance assessment, and Star rating from an accredited assessor.
Assessors will test the thermal performance of key elements on a building envelope, such as heating and cooling of the building, walls, floors, roof, eaves, windows - glazing, insulation and building orientation.
It is estimated that up to 40% of energy lost from a building is through the windows, however, this can be minimised by specifying energy efficient glazing from the Thermashield range, available from Trend Windows & Doors .
The Thermashield glazing range is rated to Windows Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) standards, which is approved by the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC). The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) also recognises the above ratings when determining energy requirements.
Additionally, to achieve optimum control of solar gain and heat loss, windows should be positioned with the greatest percentage of glass facing between 30 degrees east and 20 degrees west of north, and energy ratings can be enhanced by using glazing options such as double glazing, low-e, toned, and solar glass.
There are numerous considerations when building or renovating using Trend energy efficient glazing to achieve a 6 Star energy rating, including:
- Building and block orientation
- Infrequently used rooms should be located on the west face. For example, bathrooms and garages
- Use window coverings such as external blinds and curtains on east and west facing windows
- Locate the living room on the north face
- Choose improved glazing options such as double glazing
- Ensure cross ventilation in rooms
- Insulation
Essentially, the more energy efficient a building the higher the star rating it will obtain. Results, sometimes even higher than 6 Star, can be achieved using a wide range of energy efficient solutions. Implementing energy efficient solutions will also help to reduce energy usage as well as help to lower energy bill costs.
Thermashield energy efficient glazing can be used on windows and doors throughout a building to improve energy ratings, further information of which is available from Trend Windows & Doors.