uPVC Windows Alliance and The Vinyl Council Australia

New Alliance formed to improve
awareness of high performing window options

Laverton North, 28 April 2014 - The Vinyl Council of Australia has launched an on-line communication platform sharing information about uPVC windows to meet the growing interest in Australia in using these high performance windows to improve energy efficiency in buildings.

Vinyl Council members with an interest in the window market have come together as the uPVC Windows Alliance to provide information on the benefits, suitability, uses and environmental performance of uPVC windows in an Australian context.

In stark contrast to regions such as the US and Europe where they are the most popular choice of window, uPVC windows currently account for less than 5% of the Australian window market. However, there is growing interest from builders, architects and home owners here that are looking for improved energy efficiency, durability and low maintenance over traditional options available.

Ms Sophi MacMillan, Chief Executive of Vinyl Council of Australia explains the platform:

"The market is looking for solutions for high performance windows. Double-glazed uPVC windows have a long track record in Europe and the US in significantly improving energy efficiency in buildings, particularly in new homes and renovations.

"The uPVC Window Alliance communication platform is going to provide home owners, builders and architects with the information about uPVC-framed windows they need to make an informed decision about the type of window to use. In Australia today, there is a new option over traditional materials - aluminium and timber - in uPVC."

Hear Richard Walker, President & CEO, American Architectural Manufacturers Association discuss the potential of uPVC windows in Australia based on the experience in the US: http://upvcwindows.org.au/about-us

Certification program to benefit consumers

In addition, the uPVC Windows Alliance is currently developing an Industry Code of Practice (ICP) which will set out performance requirements for extruded uPVC profiles to be used in Australian windows and doors.

The ICP will be adopted by suppliers of profiles to local fabricators to give confidence to consumers in the durability of uPVC profiles under Australian climatic conditions by having the extruded uPVC profiles meet specific composition, weathering resistance, colour and strength requirements. This will be in addition to the uPVC window units themselves being certified to the Australian Window Association window certification program.

About uPVC Windows Alliance
The uPVC Windows Alliance is an initiative of Vinyl Council of Australia. The Council's purpose is to strengthen and advance the sustainability of the Australian PVC industry. The uPVC Windows Alliance aims to share information and resources on uPVC windows so that specifiers, architects, designers and home-owners can make fully-informed decisions about which type of window to install. Foundation uPVC Windows Alliance members include Australian Vinyls Corporation, Deceuninck, Koemmerling-Profine, Plustec and Rehau.

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