The Role of Windows in Sustainable Building Design

Sustainability is a major growing concern amongst younger homeowners who have begun to make sustainable design one of their top priorities when designing their homes. When it comes to enhancing the overall sustainability of a building, windows have a significant role to play and ensuring that they are properly utilised can make a big difference in how green the final building will be. In this post, we take a closer look at the role that windows play in sustainable building design.

Energy Efficiency

One of the most important functions that windows can have in improving the sustainability of a building is increasing its energy efficiency. Because windows are one of the few openings between the inside and the outside of a building. As such, most energy transfers tend to take place around windows. For instance, the sun’s rays can heat up a room if they are able to enter through the windows, requiring more energy to cool down the room.

Thus, some of the ways that you can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building include:

• Installing Energy-Efficient Windows: Certain types of windows, such as double-glazed windows, are much better at helping to reduce energy transfers between the interior and exterior of a building because of their insulating properties. Such windows can help to reduce the energy needed to heat or cool a building.
• Sealing and Weatherstripping: You can also check regularly to ensure that the seals between your windows and the surrounding walls are well maintained and weatherstripping is properly installed. This can help to further prevent energy transfers through drafts and other environmental factors.

Natural Lighting

A significant contributor to the energy consumption of many buildings is the use of artificial lighting. This can generally be avoided with the proper placement of windows to ensure that the interior of the building enjoys sufficient natural lighting. Natural lighting during the day can help to remove the need for additional artificial lighting and can improve the energy efficiency of the building.

Ventilation

Additionally, well-thought-out window placements can also help improve ventilation in the building. By placing windows on walls that face the direction of the wind and using window designs such as casement windows that are able to catch the wind, you can significantly improve the airflow throughout the building and the resulting air quality as well. This can also help to reduce the amount of energy that would otherwise be required to operate air conditioning, ventilation or air purifying systems.

Achieve Sustainable Window Design with Valley Windows

Here at Valley Windows, we specialise in designing and installing custom windows for homes and businesses alike in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts has decades of combined industry experience, and we have the necessary knowledge to provide useful advice on how you can achieve sustainable window design in your home or business. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your window needs!