Helping home owners choose higher performing windows for their new build or renovation is now easier with the launch of Energy Star qualified windows.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has launched Energy Star qualified windows in consultation with the Window Association of New Zealand (WANZ) and Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), to ensure a technically robust certification process.
EECA senior technical advisor Christian Hoerning says Energy Star qualified windows will give home owners assurance about the energy efficiency of their windows.
“Energy Star qualified windows are a step up in thermal performance over standard aluminium framed double glazing, and will make houses warmer and more comfortable,” Mr Hoerning says.
BRANZ senior scientist John Burgess says the Energy Star qualified windows programme is open to all manufacturers and suppliers. He says BRANZ is a qualified provider of verification, and can verify Energy Star-qualified windows.
WANZ executive director Stewart Knowles says the programme will encourage home owners, new home builders and the residential building industry to actively seek and adopt higher thermal performance window frames and glazing technologies.
“Energy Star is widely recognised and an easy way for home owners to identify higher performing energy efficient windows.”
Mr Hoerning says over the next five years about 21,000 new homes are expected to be built per year, especially as a result of population growth in Auckland and the Christchurch rebuild.
“Increasing the uptake of energy efficient windows installed in new and existing homes has the potential to make a significant difference to improving the energy efficiency and comfort of homes,” he says.
For more information about Energy Star qualified windows visit
