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Energy efficient products continue to gain ground in the Australian market, where rising energy costs and climate impacts are increasingly front of mind for end-users. WFA reports.
Ricky Richards
With summer at its height, Ricky Richards is promoting Outlook’s climate beating benefits as well as its longer term backing through a 15-year warranty.
“We understand at Ricky that when you choose an outdoor fabric, you’re not just looking for durability—you’re investing in comfort, protection, and peace of mind for the people and spaces that matter most. That’s why we’re so proud of Outlook, a fabric designed to exceed expectations, reduce energy costs and now backed by a market-leading 15-year warranty. It’s our promise to you that Outlook will continue to protect, perform, and enhance your outdoor spaces for years to come.”
Outlook is a product of care and expertise, crafted with features that set it apart. Here’s what makes Outlook special:
1. Biggest colour range: With the widest selection of colours and patterns, Outlook offers something for every style and space. Whether it’s subtle neutrals or bold hues, there’s a shade to match your vision.
2. Market-leading warranty: Our 15-year warranty is more than a guarantee—it’s a reflection of our confidence in Outlook’s quality and longevity.
3. Sustainable innovation with Dow Ecolibrium: Designed with eco-friendly bio-based plasticisers, Outlook is gentle on the environment while remaining strong and flexible.
4. Crafted by Phifer: Made by Phifer, a global leader in premium outdoor fabrics, Outlook benefits from over 60 years of innovation and expertise.
5. Zero Stripes range: For those seeking sleek, clean aesthetics, our Outlook Zero Stripes collection offers modern sophistication with unparalleled UV protection.
“Outlook isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s designed to help you save. With elite UV protection, this innovative fabric reduces heat and glare, making outdoor spaces more comfortable and helping to lower energy costs by minimizing the need for cooling systems. Whether shading a patio or protecting windows, Outlook works hard to keep your spaces cooler and more efficient.”
“Outlook is also about creating safe, beautiful, durable and comfortable outdoor spaces for your family, friends, or customers. Outlook reduces heat, glare, and harmful sun exposure, ensuring comfort even on the brightest days. Its resistance to mould, mildew, and fading means less time worrying and more time enjoying.
“Overall, Outlook’s advanced features and 15-year warranty are designed to give you confidence that your investment will last. Whether it’s shading a patio, protecting interiors, or enhancing energy efficiency, Outlook does it all with care and reliability.
“At Ricky, we’re here to help you create outdoor spaces that protect what matters most. With Outlook, you’re not just choosing a fabric—you’re choosing a partner for life. Experience the beauty, innovation, and peace of mind that come with the market’s most trusted outdoor fabric.”
Norman
Norman confirms that energy efficiency is a cornerstone of the company’s ongoing product innovation.
“From shutters to blinds to shades, every Norman product adds a layer of insulation to help regulate temperature and enhance comfort in your customers’ homes. Leading the way in energy efficiency are our honeycomb shades, renowned for their exceptional thermal performance, closely followed by our extensive range of shutters, which combine style and practicality with insulating properties.
“Shutters, with their structured design and precise fit around the window, effectively minimise air leakage and heat transfer, providing exceptional insulation along with superior light and airflow control. Timber shutters elevate this performance further, as the natural insulating properties of wood create an additional barrier against heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.
“However, Norman’s Honeycomb Shades are the true standout in energy efficiency, reducing heat loss by an impressive 64%, as validated by a 2021 study conducted by Queensland University of Technology, CSIRO, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Wollongong. Their innovative structure traps air within the cells, creating insulating pockets that maintain comfortable indoor temperatures across every season. With versatile lift systems, including Motorisation and Patio Door Vertical options, Norman Honeycomb Shades offer both flexibility and energy-saving benefits that your customers will value.
Somfy
When it comes to new builds, automation has been recognised for its value-add to buildings, offering enhanced services, comfort, and convenience to occupants. For building owners, it provides valuable insights into how the building is being used and can suggest measures to improve operational efficiency.
For existing buildings committed to sustainability effective solutions are required, in the form of incorporating automation technology through solar shading motorisation in conjunction with sustainable building practices.
This is where Somfy’s automated shading systems come in.
“These systems advance these goals by intelligently responding to external conditions, enhancing thermal comfort, and decreasing reliance on artificial lighting, thereby aligning with sustainability objectives.”
In this context, motorised blinds and shading systems play a pivotal role in enhancing occupant comfort while reducing the embodied carbon footprint of buildings. These systems have long been proven to improve comfort by reducing glare, controlling solar heat gain, and optimising daylight access. By effectively managing blinds within an environment, a balance between natural and artificial light can be achieved, leading to lower energy consumption.
“Sustainable fit-outs in existing buildings, when executed correctly, can result in reduced operational energy use. Combined with motorised shading, they can also improve indoor air quality and support proper ventilation, further contributing to the reduction of embodied carbon within the building.”
“Somfy’s Act for Green initiative further contributes to sustainability efforts by addressing all aspects of the manufacturing process. This includes streamlined product designs, low power consumption, and the promotion of reuse and recycling practices. Additionally, Somfy provides transparency regarding the carbon emissions associated with the entire product lifecycle through PEPpassport, which is externally verified by Bureau Veritas.”
