Our focus at BINQ has always been on enhancing homes' energy efficiency and comfort, whether new builds or retrofits.
So, we wanted to demonstrate how our customers can easily match and exceed the new minimum 7-star NatHERS rating that applies to all new Australian homes from May 2024.
What is the easiest way to improve a home’s energy rating? Improve the windows and enhance insulation.
We worked with ESD consultants EcoResults to show how to add 1.5 stars or more to a new home. EcoResults simulated the impact of using standard double-glazed aluminium windows versus double-glazed aluplast uPVC windows with upgraded underfloor, internal wall and roof insulation on a development of 10 townhouses. The results were more than enlightening.
Using standard double-glazed aluminium windows, the average NatHERS rating was a modest 5.8 stars. However, when we switched to double-glazed aluplast uPVC windows, we saw increases from between 1.0 & 1.3 stars across the 10 townhouses, with an increase in the average rating to 6.9 stars. Just missing the new 7-star requirements, we looked to combine the aluplast uPVC windows and augmented this with R2.5 underfloor and internal wall insulation, along with a slight upgrade in roof insulation from R4.0 to R5.0, we observed a remarkable increase in the average rating to 7.5 stars. This improvement clearly highlights the significant energy efficiency gains achievable with the right materials, particularly windows.

For builders and homeowners, this finding is pivotal. It underscores that upgrading windows and insulation is the most straightforward and effective strategy to enhance a home's energy performance. With the new regulations, achieving a 7-star rating is not just a compliance requirement but also an opportunity to build homes that are more comfortable, sustainable, and cost-efficient in the long run. Moreover, our simulation results show that these improvements are not marginal. An average increase of 1.7 stars in NatHERS rating is a significant leap towards sustainability. This change profoundly impacts the home's thermal performance, leading to reduced energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.

The shift towards uPVC windows is a global trend, but it's only recently that manufacturers have tailored their products to suit the unique needs of the Australian market. Our partnership with aluplast aims to bridge this gap, offering large-format glazing and designs that align with local preferences. The improved thermal and acoustic performance of uPVC, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, makes it an ideal choice for Australian homes.

Our commitment at BINQ extends beyond just selling windows; it's about transforming living spaces. With the shift in NatHERS requirements, our focus is on helping builders and homeowners not just meet but exceed these standards, paving the way for more sustainable and comfortable homes across Australia. Our experience with projects reaching up to 8.5 and even 10 stars in energy rating demonstrates the potential that lies in choosing the right materials and design approaches.
Moving from traditional aluminium to advanced uPVC windows, complemented by strategic insulation upgrades, is not just a compliance strategy but an intelligent investment in the future of Australian housing. As we move forward, BINQ remains dedicated to innovating and providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients and the environment.