co m p l i a n c e
ACCREDITATION DRIVES SUCCESS
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A quarter century after the foundation of the Australian Window Association( AWA), it’ s time to look back and celebrate how the AWA accreditation program has supported and mentored window manufacturers supplying the Australian window market.
THE AWA IS AN ASSOCIATION WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & RESOURCES THAT SUPPORTS AND MENTORS THE BUSINESSES OF ITS MEMBERS.
The AWA has established and developed the program to become a critical driver in the success of our members who now supply over 90 per cent of new window systems in Australia. As an inspection agency its goal is to make sure that all Australian window systems are compliant.
Architects, builders, building surveyors and certifiers have learnt to look for and rely on the AWA accreditation, secure in the knowledge that AWAcertified products comply with Australian standards and will be fit for purpose.
The AWA is an association with a high level of technical knowledge and resources that supports and mentors the businesses of its members.
Since the program’ s official launch 20 years ago, the AWA has been helping members ensure they manufacture window systems in accordance with Australian standards, with manufactured products physically tested and verified against the fabrication details in test reports.
Consequently, the AWA has become highly trusted in the building industry and is recognised by builders, architects, specifiers, surveyors and building inspectors to meet, validate or enforce compliance with building codes. In response to community and industry demands the AWA’ s accreditation program has been expanded in recent years to include bushfire-compliance and safety.
Australia’ s window manufacturers recognise the benefits of membership which is evidenced by a growth of more than 120 per cent in membership over the last decade. In 2016, the AWA audited more than 500 window factories around Australia and Asia through the accreditation program.
It is important to understand that while the AWA accreditation program is not mandatory across the window industry, it has federal government recognition through its NATA accreditation as an inspection agency and is a core and highly valued requirement of AWA membership.
The AWA and its members are outstanding performers in a period of flux for the construction industry with frequent reports of non-compliant products flooding industry sectors there is ongoing examination of the industry for product compliance by federal and state governments.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP?
AWA members undertake to open their manufacturing sites for audit and submit all window products for physical testing. In turn our members value the rigour of the accreditation process which awards their products integrity and advantage in the marketplace.
Applicants for AWA membership must be nominated and seconded by current AWA members and abide by the association’ s code of conduct.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Conducted in a co-operative spirit, the compliance audit scheme aims to help members to meet Australian standards compliance. The benefits of the scheme are multi-layered and offer high value to member businesses
4 Australian Window Association