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The Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia (BMAA) recently held a meeting at the BMAA SuperExpo to provide an update on the progress of the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WincovER). BMAA Director Robert Mayer presented the WincovER report, highlighting the achievements and outlining the next steps for the initiative.
In terms of the technical process, Mayer reported that the ratings and audits of the WincovER rating for 70 products across a wide range of indoor and outdoor end-products have been finalised. Additionally, the first set of WincovER Certified Automation products and training simulators have been developed. The current focus is on the development of a Colour Interpolation Methodology, which is expected to bring cost savings for WincovER users and facilitate the rollout of additional colours.
Grant Norton, Technical sub-committee chair, elaborated on the significance of the Colour Interpolation method, explaining that it will speed up the introduction of new colours and potentially allow for broader product grouping. However, it is important to note that this methodology only applies to the Star Rating and does not provide interpolated data for actual energy rating simulations.
On the marketing front, significant progress has been made. The WincovER website, wincover.com.au, is now live, providing comprehensive information and a database of certified products. Three online training courses are available, catering to different audiences, including an introductory course, a course for retailers, and a course on issuing WincovER certificates. Over 1850 WincovER certificates have been issued to date.
In the coming months, the focus will be on supporting soft-launch partners, Ozroll (through the Modern Group) and Hunter Douglas (through Luxaflex), in rolling out WincovER through their retail networks. The initiative will also be promoted on social media platforms including Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as in print media.
During the meeting, special recognition was given to Grant Norton and Kane Fuessel for their outstanding volunteer contribution to WincovER over more than a decade. They were presented with a trophy in appreciation of their commitment and leadership.
Addressing the topic of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Robert Mayer announced that a policy is being developed in this area. A committee consisting of eight industry representatives has been formed to explore what sustainability means for the industry, conducting research at various levels to inform their efforts.
Jack McDonald from Ozroll said that the program had been a great conversation starter for the company in terms of getting inquiries or helping qualify inquiries into leads.
“It is also a real opportunity to upsell to automation from manual operation, which in most cases will add value to that sale,” McDonald said. “We are now ready to take the program to the greater market or to all of our customers, new and old.”
Embracing energy efficiency: a spotlight on Ozroll Industries and its role in the WincovER initiative
Ozroll Industries is proud to be at the forefront of delivering energy-efficient solutions that make a difference in the lives of homeowners, writes Ryan Charvetto Sales and Marketing Manager at Ozroll Industries.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have actively participated in the groundbreaking WincovER initiative, which measures and promotes the energy efficiency of window coverings. Our range of products, including the Inspire Plantation Shutters, roller shutters, and aluminium louvres, have undergone rigorous testing under the wincovER program. Today, we share our involvement in the initiative and the remarkable energy-saving capabilities of our products, empowering homeowners to make informed choices that positively impact their homes and the environment.
What is WincovER?
WincovER, short for ‘Window Covering Energy Rating,’ is a pioneering program designed to measure and promote the energy efficiency of window coverings. It empowers homeowners with valuable insights into the energy performance of their window treatments, enabling them to make informed choices that positively impact both their households and the planet.
Empowering informed purchasing decisions:
At Ozroll Industries, the primary objective is to empower homeowners to make informed decisions when selecting window coverings. Through the WincovER initiative, detailed energy performance ratings, including the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U ratings, are provided, enabling homeowners to assess the efficiency of different window treatments. By offering transparent information, we ensure that homeowners have the knowledge they need to choose the best energy-efficient solutions for their homes.
The Inspire plantation shutter range:
One of the standout products in Ozroll Industries’ range is the Inspire Plantation Shutter range. With meticulous design and engineering, the company has created shutters that not only enhance the aesthetics of homes but also significantly reduce energy consumption throughout the year.
Significant energy savings:
The Inspire Plantation Shutters offer remarkable energy-saving capabilities. During scorching summer months, these shutters can reduce solar heat gain by up to 68%. By blocking a substantial amount of the sun’s heat from entering the home, homeowners can experience reduced reliance on air conditioning systems, resulting in lower energy consumption and a more comfortable living environment.
In winter, these shutters provide excellent insulation, reducing heat loss by up to 24%. With high-quality materials and smart design, warmth is retained within the home, minimising the need for excessive heating and further lowering energy costs.
Understanding solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U ratings:
To fully appreciate the energy-saving benefits of the Inspire Plantation Shutter range, it is essential to understand the significance of the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and U ratings.
The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures the ability of a window covering to block heat gain from the sun. With the Inspire Plantation Shutters boasting an impressively low SHGC, Ozroll Industries significantly reduces the amount of solar heat entering the home, providing homeowners with a cooler and more comfortable living space during summer months.
U ratings represent the thermal insulation performance of a window covering. The Inspire Plantation Shutters have been carefully engineered to achieve excellent U ratings, ensuring minimal heat transfer through the windows. This feature contributes to a warmer home during winter months, reducing the need for excessive heating and resulting in energy savings.
How Inspire Plantation Shutters improve ratings:
The Inspire Plantation Shutter range achieves outstanding energy efficiency through a combination of factors. Meticulously crafted using high-quality materials, including advanced insulation features such as multi-layered panels and thermal barriers, these shutters minimise heat transfer and create a barrier between the interior of the home and the external environment.
At Ozroll Industries, the commitment to providing energy-efficient solutions is unwavering. Through its involvement in the wincovER initiative and the development of the Inspire Plantation Shutter range, the company strives to enhance the energy efficiency of homes across the nation. Together, let us embrace energy efficiency and build a brighter, greener future for generations to come.
Somfy’s sustainable development drive
Somfy says it is as committed as ever to reducing the environmental footprint of its products and services, following a week in June fully dedicated to sustainable development.
Somfy teams from across the world collaborated on ideas and strategies to improve sustainability and reduce carbon footprint within the business and in employees’ personal lives.
Sustainable development is central to Somfy’s business strategy and with end-users consuming more responsibly, companies need to be committed to a sustainable future. Somfy’s top priority is, by 2030, to have reduced CO2 emissions by 50% compared to 2019. The initiative ties in with Somfy’s global ambition for 100% of products sold in 2030 to be labelled Act For Green.
Act For Green is Somfy’s suite of eco-designed products, developed to reduce environmental impact through an approach of eco-responsibility to buildings, products, and teams.
Locally, Somfy Oceania continues to promote sustainability and energy efficiency with its digital energy savings calculator – SoCool.
“With energy bills and interest rates on the rise, end-users are looking for ways to save on their annual bills and just by answering a few questions, our tool can predict the potential carbon emissions, time, and money a homeowner could save by using Somfy motorised solutions in their home, says Somfy Oceania’s Marketing Manager Mary Ladu.
“The tool forms part of our Make the Move digital lead generation campaign for Somfy Expert Partners and helps us understand what motivates end users to switch from manual to automated window coverings.”
Scan the QR code to see Somfy’s SoCool Energy Savings Calculator in action.
Outlook range: The energy-efficient solution for window furnishings
With rising interest rates and increasing cost of living, finding ways to reduce energy costs at home is more important than ever. Energy-saving blinds and window treatments can play a crucial role in controlling the temperature of homes year-round, acting as insulation and providing comfort without the burden of high heating and cooling expenses.
When selecting a textile for external window blinds or awnings, it’s essential to consider not only aesthetics but also functionality. With over 40 years of experience supplying Australia with weather control textiles, Ricky Richards is a trusted name in the industry. Its portfolio of window blind and awning textiles is known for its high performance in external applications.
Mesh fabrics, along with 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, are ideal for both window blinds and awnings, effectively combating the elements such as heat, rain, wind, and cold. Choosing a reliable textile is key to ensuring long-lasting protection against the elements, keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer.
At the forefront of Ricky Richards’ mesh range is Outlook, the ultimate energy-efficient solution. Outlook provides year-round protection while utilizing greener technology with Dow Ecolibrium. Not only is it lead and phthalate-free, but its manufacturing process also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40%. The use of Outlook mesh in a window blind or awning saves one litre of petroleum for every 10 square metres used.
Mesh fabrics are not only strong and flexible but also highly breathable, allowing air to pass through effortlessly. When using Outlook for outdoor blinds, the flow of air continues even when the blinds are fully closed, creating a naturally cooler outdoor environment.
The Outlook range offers a wide array of colour and pattern options, as well as varying lengths, ensuring that there is a perfect fit for every window.
