Window Energy Rating Scheme

A Message from WERS

Welcome to the last edition of WERS E-news for 2009.

At this time of the year with 12 months behind us, we begin to look back at the year that was and review our progress. This year has seen many projects and changes to the energy efficiency of the window industry. Some of these include

The Sustainable Windows Alliance (SWA) Project which has been an 18 month project with some interesting outcomes. This is drawing to the end with final reports being generated and reviewed for release to the membership early next year.
The AWA Sustainability Committee started this year and has been looking at issues around compliance and WERS Certification, Whole of House Ratings tools and maintaining an up-to-date library, WERS data management - Ensuring correct use of WERS data, Training sessions on Section J Commercial and tools using the SWA outcomes.
BCA 2010 Review, the AWA/WERS worked with the HIA on the review of the 2010 BCA DTS component. The testing was to show the types of windows that would be required under the new BCA stringency levels. Full report can be viewed in the members only section.
AccuRate update the NFRC version of AccuRate has been on the waiting list of many for a long time. We have been working very closely with CSIRO and DEWHA on the window section. The full list of 12000+ windows will be available in the new version when released. So we don't have to wait another 4 years to update the Library, the AFRC has employed a Computing graduate from UWS, Suranga Perera to develop an online database of window library files. The concept is to allow users to be able to download the latest copy of the window library files and plug them into the AccuRate software. This method allows for a brand new window rating file to be generated by the AFRC audit house and submitted to the AFRC database for immediate download. We have been told that the new version will be made commercially available from the 1st May, 2010.

This year has flown by and we have enjoyed working with all of you throughout the year on various projects. If 2009 is anything to go by, next year will be just as exciting with the release of the BCA 2010 and increased stringency, the outcomes of the SWA and the various tools developed, the move to 6 Star housing and the NFRC AccuRate release.

We look forward to working with you all next year, have a safe break and we will see you in the new year.

Mike Palin
WERS Supervisor

December 2009