How your windows can help you achieve energy-efficiency and sustainability goals

For homeowners, sustainability and energy efficiency are non-negotiables when building new or renovating. While sustainable design and material choices have moral benefits — you know you’re doing good for the environment — they also have significant long-term health, energy-saving, and financial benefits. To truly reap the rewards of energy-efficient designs, homes must have a high-performing thermal envelope — the barrier (walls, floor, and ceiling) that separates the inside air from the outside air.

The role of windows in energy efficiency

Because glass is a poor insulator (compared to other materials) windows can be a significant source of heat loss during colder months and heat gain during warmer weather. They can also be a source of air leakage, with poor window design allowing cold or warm air draughts to enter or escape the home.

Both of these aspects not only impact comfort and wellbeing but, significantly, increase the building’s energy consumption, as heating and cooling systems must work harder to maintain desired temperatures. 

Energy transfer is a key performance indicator of the building’s thermal envelope, and is the reason why window choice is a crucial part of energy-efficient home design. In fact, as much as 25 - 40% of energy loss can be attributed to leaky walls and windows. So, even if a home has high R-Value insulation installed behind the floors, walls, and ceiling, under-performing windows and poor installation can be detrimental to the building’s thermal performance.

High-performance window solutions

Established in 2009, BINQ is Australia’s largest manufacturer of advanced, high-performance window systems. 

“Windows are not merely a utilitarian product that should be chosen arbitrarily. At BINQ, we believe windows are the most important element in a building, having a dramatic impact on the design, aesthetics, functionality, liveability, and performance of a home,” states the brand. 

BINQ specialise in European high-performance windows, meaning windows designed and manufactured to meet the stringent energy efficiency standards prevalent in Europe. 

“Windows designed to European standards typically offer superior thermal insulation and minimal air leakage,” says Andre Griffs, BINQ co-founder.

Key features of European high-performance windows include low U-values, optional triple glazing, low-E coatings, argon gas, warm edge spacers, air-tight construction, and quality frame materials. 

“A low U-value indicates better insulation, meaning that less energy is lost during colder months,” Griffs explains. “Low-emissivity, or Low-E, coatings are often applied to the glass surfaces to minimise energy transfer and reduce the amount of ultraviolet and infrared radiation that enters or leaves the home. This helps you maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and protects interior furnishings from fading due to sun exposure.”

Argon gas refers to the inert gas used to fill the gaps between the glass panes in double and triple-glazed windows. This gas has lower thermal conductivity than air, which enhances the window’s insulation capabilities and improves energy efficiency. 

Additionally, to reduce energy transfer at the edges of the glass, and improve the window’s overall performance, warm edge spacers (spacers made from low conductive material) are used to separate the glass panes.

Tilt and Turn — Europe’s favourite window

A feature in the BINQ range, Tilt and Turn windows are a popular choice in many European countries, offering several advantages over traditional casement or sliding windows. 

“Tilt and Turn windows are by far the most functional and best-performing windows available,” Griffs says. “They have multiple opening options: swinging inward like a casement window (for easy cleaning from the inside), tilting inward from the top (for full ventilation), or tilting in slightly from the top (for micro ventilation). The ability to tilt the window inward from the top allows for ventilation without compromising security.”

Tilt and Turn windows have excellent insulation properties and are known for their airtight construction, with compression seals around the perimeter of the window to prevent draughts and energy loss when closed. Due to this tight seal, and the window’s multi-chambered design, they also have excellent sound insulation capabilities, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment. 

BINQ’s Tilt and Turn windows are available in a variety of frame materials, including timber and uPVC — both sustainable options in terms of energy efficiency and end-of-life recycling. 

Learn more about BINQ.