wo r ds
WORDS FROM THE
CHAIRMAN
W
elcome to the summer edition of
Windows magazine.
Like me, you are probably
wondering where this year has gone. It only
seems like the other day we were kicking
off 2016. Overall, it appears the last twelve
months has been a successful period for
most members, with construction activity in
the main east coast centres underpinning
solid activity levels for our industry.
Of course, regardless of how busy or quiet
the market is, the long term underlying
challenges facing our industry remain. As
such, the AWA continues to focus on our
mission of creating the conditions for a
profitable, innovative and highly skilled
window industry. One such key initiative we
have been working on for a number of years
is the development of a recognised formal
qualification for window manufacturing
and significant progress that has been
made towards developing a Certificate III
in Fenestration. This is just one example of
the multi-faceted approach of the AWA to
attract new talent to our industry and to
your businesses - supporting the longevity of
our sector into the future.
As a Board, we continue to focus on strategic
initiatives to strengthen the industry and
create value for all members. Much of the
Association’s activity is communicated
throughout this magazine, so please take the
time to read about some of the work being
done by the AWA on your behalf. As you
know, the Association exists to support your
business success. So don’t forget to utilise
the many benefits on offer from being a part
of Australia’s peak industry body.
Thanks for your continued support of the
AWA over the last year. On behalf of the
Board, I wish all members a safe and happy
Christmas and New Year.
BRENDAN O’REILLY
Acting Chairman of the Board
2
Australian Window Association
WORDS FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
W
e end 2016 with the knowledge
that the Paris Agreement
was entered into force on 4
November, 2016. Thirty days prior to this,
at least 55 Parties to the Convention
(including Australia), accounting for at least
an estimated 55 per cent of the total global
greenhouse gas emissions, deposited their
instruments of ratification, acceptance,
approval, or accession with the Depositary.
Entry into force triggers a variety of
important consequences and the
development of the Paris Agreement’s
implementation rule book. Completion
of what is, in effect, a global blueprint
for reporting and accounting for climate
action. Countries are also not starting
from scratch. The many successful models
and mechanisms for international climate
cooperation over the past two decades,
including the Kyoto Protocol, have built up a
deep level of experience and knowledge on
how this can be done effectively.
I have no doubt this will impact the way we
build and the materials we choose to build
with. Australia will reduce emissions to 2628 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030. With
windows and glazing often quoted as the
‘thermal wounds’ of the building envelope,
and our own Australian National Constrction
Code considering energy efficiency
stringency increases as early as 2019, there
will be a reinvigorated effort in design
innovation of windows and door systems to
address these emerging needs.
While we all ponder this over the new year,
I wish you and your families a wonderful
Christmas and a happy and prosperous New
Year.
TRACEY GRAMLICK
Executive Director & CEO
WORDS FROM THE
EDITOR
A
s another year comes to a close, I
would like to take the opportunity
to wish all of our readers and
contributors a Merry Christmas and a safe
and joyful holiday season. Welcome to
Windows, summer edition.
This edition of Windows includes all of
the regular features - David Esler looks at
service excellence and keeping it simple,
Tracey Gramlick gives a review on product
compliance, Bryan Pickard discusses
contracts in his article, ‘The Battle of
the Forms’, Maureen Kyne discusses the
importance of trust in the workplace
and Harley Dale tells us not to forget the
renovations sector.
Our member profile interviews Thermotech
Windows and looks at four ex car industry
people harnessing innovation in the window
industry.
There are plenty of new products in the
products section and some very interesting
industry news items.
We have a case study exploring leaking
aluminium windows and feature articles on
the value of energy, factory automation and
design innovation.
In our training section, we look at the
possibility that your next apprentice may
already work for you.
We would like to thank all of our
contributors and advertisers for helping
make Windows magazine happen in 2016.
We hope you really enjoy our summer
edition of Windows.
GARY SMITH
Marketing & Communications Manager