co m p l i a n c e
ACCREDITATION DRIVES SUCCESS
01
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