Choosing building products
Windows, doors and skylights
Glass is the biggest path for heat loss and gain, so it really makes sense to choose energy efficient windows, doors and skylights.
Look for the WERS (window energy rating scheme) label on products. The heating stars indicate how well it will keep in winter warmth. The cooling stars indicate how well it will protect you from unwanted summer heat. A 5-star rating is the maximum, and a sign of the best performance.
Depending on your climate, you may choose to focus more on one than the other. For example, in tropical climates you'd focus on the cooling stars, and in cold climates you'd focus more on the heating stars. In most climates you really want to focus on both to maximise year-round comfort.
The WERS rating takes into account the glass and the frame. For a high heating star rating, you'd need double glazing and a timber or insulated frame. For a high cooling star rating, you'd need glass that's toned or has a solar control film.
Double glazing also improves your cooling rating, and is particularly useful for air conditioned homes to keep the 'cool' in.
To encourage natural ventilation, choose windows that can be opened wide, and operable skylights. Just make sure they are airtight when closed.
'It's hard to believe what a difference these double glazed windows make! It's so comfortable and quiet in here!'
If you're choosing timber frames, look for timber that's from certified sustainably managed forests.
Environmentally friendly options available include
FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) timber or
plantation pine treated with LOSP (light organic solvent
preservative).
[See Your Home: Glazing; Skylights]
Decking
Choose decking timber sourced from certified sustainably managed forests. Environmentally friendly options include many plantation timbers, FSC-certified timber and even composites made of sawdust and recycled plastic.
If you're using plantation softwoods
like pine they'll need to be treated with preservative.
Ask your supplier about less toxic options like LOSP
with linseed oil.
[See Your Home: Biodiversity offsite; The healthy home]
Insulation
The higher a product's R-value, the better it insulates. It's important to choose the right insulation for the job.
There are two basic types: reflective insulation (the shiny foil) and bulk insulation (usually batts, rolls or boards). Some products combine both these types into one.
Always follow manufacturers' installation instructions. If bulk insulation is compressed it won't work as well, and reflective insulation needs an air gap next to the shiny surface.
Many environmentally friendly products
are available. You can get products with recycled content,
such as polyester, cellulose or bio-soluble glass fibre.
[See Your Home: Insulation; Insulation installation]
