Thermotek Takes the Lead With Platinum Sponsorship of Sustainable Builders Alliance

Thermotek is now a proud platinum sponsor of the Sustainable Builders Alliance (SBA), showing support for the wider sustainable building industry in Australia.

Formerly known as the Builders Declare movement, rebranding to the Sustainable Builders Alliance is an exciting new phase for the organisation. It reflects its vision and roadmap for a more sustainable building industry.

The alliance includes builders, designers, trades and suppliers from across Australia. Becoming a platinum sponsor aligns strongly with Thermotek’s values, as a respected manufacturer of window and door systems that are ideal for sustainable building projects.

Our superior, energy-efficient uPVC window and door systems harness world-class German engineering, are manufactured sustainably in Melbourne and are tailored for the Australian climate.

Supporting the Australian sustainable building industry

In September, the Thermotek team attended the launch of the Sustainable Builders Alliance in Collingwood, Melbourne. The event was an opportunity for the SBA to thank their supporters, sponsors, contributors and other experts who form part of the movement.

It was also a chance to showcase the rebrand and the clarified direction of the organisation.

The new SBA website was launched at the event, with Jeremy Spencer of Positive Footprints delivering a presentation about the thinking behind the new look and navigation.

Simon Clark from Sustainable Homes Melbourne also spoke about the values and mission of the alliance.

What do the Sustainable Builders Alliance stand for?

Arising from the Australian Builders Declare movement, the Sustainable Builders Alliance has been established with the aim of promoting low-carbon, sustainable, and high-performing construction practices. Energy efficiency and thermal performance are of particular concern.

Knowledge is indeed power when it comes to sustainable building. The primary objective of the Sustainable Builders Alliance is to drive substantial change, disseminate practical knowledge, and foster a community of informed builders, designers, tradespeople, and professionals. Their collective goal is to lead the construction industry towards a carbon-neutral and sustainable future.

The organisation is the result of a collaboration between experienced, independent sustainable builders who wish to drive change by harnessing the collective power of a group, rather than relying on individual voices.

For those individuals and organisations ready to take a leadership role in the construction industry and actively contribute to the solution, we encourage you to join the alliance. By doing so, you can play a pivotal role in reshaping the future of building practices today.

Thermotek’s new platinum sponsorship of the Sustainable Builders Alliance reflects our commitment to the Australian environment.

Sustainability runs through all of our products, with our uPVC windows manufactured at our green facility in Melbourne.

Why does sustainable building matter so much in Australia?

Sustainable building is a key weapon in the fight against climate change around the world. Along with many countries, Australia has committed to Net Zero in carbon emissions by 2050.

With the built environment currently contributing to around 40% of greenhouse emissions worldwide, sustainable building practices contribute to these commitments and help Australia meet its environmental goals.

However, Australia also faces unique environmental challenges, such as water scarcity and vulnerability to climate change impacts like bushfires and droughts. Sustainable building practices help mitigate these challenges by conserving resources, reducing emissions, and enhancing resilience.

Given Australia’s susceptibility to bushfires, sustainable building techniques often mean incorporating fire-resistant materials and designs to enhance the safety and resilience of structures.

For example, Thermotek products are up to BAL (Bush Fire Attack Level) 40 rated, designed to withstand high radiant heat exposure and contact with flames. Our high-performance windows are constructed with fire-resistant materials including uPVC and fire-resistant glass.

Sustainable building practices also emphasise water efficiency, vital in a country prone to droughts. Features like rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and greywater reuse help mitigate water scarcity.

Another benefit is exponentially improving the comfort

Building sustainably can mitigate concerns about indoor air quality, extreme heat, and allergens like pollen, by providing healthier, more comfortable living spaces, which are crucial for wellbeing.

Thermotek products such as our Smart Slide systems seamlessly integrate sustainability and comfort. Our uPVC window and door systems are designed to enhance both air quality and temperature control within the living space.

Their advanced thermal insulation properties create a barrier against external temperature fluctuations, keeping interiors cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This not only ensures a more pleasant and stable indoor climate but also leads to significant energy savings. Our windows are crafted with high-quality materials that minimise drafts and eliminate condensation issues, thus improving overall air quality by preventing the build-up of mould and mildew.

By promoting a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient home environment, Thermotek sustainable windows contribute to a better quality of life.

Energy efficiency is a key weapon in the arsenal against climate change

Australia’s climate demands effective cooling solutions, especially in hot and arid regions. Sustainable building designs prioritise energy efficiency, reducing the strain on power grids during scorching summers and lowering energy bills.

Thermotek windows are designed for optimum energy efficiency in both summer and winter, with both double and triple-glazed options.

The added layers of our triple-glazed windows – complete with two insulating air gaps – act as formidable shields against heat transfer from the outdoors to the indoors of a home.

During the hot Australian summer months, this feature proves invaluable in maintaining a cooler indoor environment by thwarting the infiltration of external heat. In winter, it also acts as insulation against the cold.

Furthermore, Thermotek employs Low-E (Low-emissivity) coatings on window glass, which effectively block a portion of the sun’s warmth while still permitting natural light to permeate. This serves to regulate indoor temperatures and diminish the reliance on air conditioning, ultimately elevating summertime comfort and energy efficiency.

We also use uPVC in our window and door frames. uPVC is unplasticised and has exceptional insulation properties, which means this also enhances both energy efficiency and thermal comfort for a home. They ensure a delightful coolness during the summer and a snug warmth as winter takes hold. uPVC frames are also non-conductive, which means they don’t require thermal breaks like aluminium. When combined with double or triple glazing, uPVC frames have the potential to entirely eliminate the need for air conditioning or heating in milder climates.

Australian legislation is now geared towards energy efficiency and building sustainably

Building sustainably is the way of the future. Australian building codes and regulations increasingly include sustainability measures. Complying with these requirements is not only essential but also aligns with our nation’s commitment to sustainability.

As Australia works towards Net Zero 2050, more and more legislation will be passed that pushes the building industry to energy-efficient measures. The 2022 updates to the Australian National Construction Code (NCC), which came into force in May 2023, require new residential buildings (including apartments) to achieve:

• An energy-efficiency rating of 7 NatHERS stars
• A new ‘Whole-of-Home’ rating which takes all energy consumption and sources into account.

Make a strong investment in the future

Building sustainably and choosing materials that meet stringent requirements – such as Thermotek products – is an investment not only in the planet but in the future value of your home or building project.

Doing things right at the construction stage and producing an energy-efficient building with high-quality materials means that a home will be protected from ongoing fluctuations in the energy market, while simultaneously capping carbon emissions.

Sustainable buildings in Australia are also beginning to experience increased market demand, as environmentally conscious consumers and investors seek out eco-friendly properties. They often command higher resale values and rental income.

For high-quality, energy-efficient window and door systems for your sustainable building project, Contact the Thermotek team today for expert advice.