Upscaling high-performance windows in Victoria

Why Windows Matter: The Case for High-Performance Glazing in Victoria

📈 Let’s raise the standard

With smart specification, early design input, and the right partners, high-performance glazing doesn’t have to break the budget. And it shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be standard.

We’re here to help make that transition easier. Our team at Efficient Habitat brings technical insight, experience, and a commitment to finding cost-effective solutions that work for both your project and the planet.

💬 Want to discuss window upgrades for your next development?

Let’s chat — we’re always up for a conversation that leads to better buildings.

While insulation and airtightness often steal the spotlight in energy discussions, this research makes it clear — windows are just as critical, and in many homes, they’re the weakest link in the thermal envelope.

🔗 Read the full report here
https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/research-data-and-insights/research/research-reports/upscaling-high-performance-windows-in-victoria


 

🏗️ Key findings at a glance:

 
  • Up to 40% of heat loss and 87% of heat gain in Australian homes occurs through windows
  • Only 16% of new homes in Victoria currently include high-performance glazing
  • Transitioning to low-e double glazing across all new builds could cut energy use by 32 Petajoules annually
  • The benefits go far beyond energy efficiency: health, comfort, acoustic control, and resilience all improve
  • The industry is technically ready — but uptake is slow due to low awareness, limited demand, and upfront costs


 

📊 What does this mean for industry professionals?

For builders, designers, and developers, this report highlights a practical path forward — and a real opportunity to stay ahead of regulatory changes, while delivering healthier, more comfortable homes.

At Efficient Habitat, we work closely with our clients to specify cost-effective, high-performance window solutions that integrate seamlessly into residential designs. Whether you’re working on a custom build or volume housing, we help you:

✅ Select optimal glazing types for different climate zones
✅ Improve comfort without adding complexity
✅ Balance cost, performance, and compliance with NCC 2022
✅ Reduce future running costs and enhance buyer satisfaction

We often recommend uPVC frames paired with low-e or triple glazing — particularly from suppliers like Salamander, who offer high thermal performance, durability, and strong sustainability credentials.


 

💡 More than just energy savings

This isn’t just about meeting energy benchmarks. High-performance windows directly impact how homes feel to live in, from reducing summer heat gain and winter chills to cutting noise pollution in urban sites.

When done well, window upgrades offer some of the best value-for-performance gains available in residential construction today.


🌱 Let’s raise the standard

With smart specification, early design input, and the right partners, high-performance glazing doesn’t have to break the budget. And it shouldn’t be a luxury — it should be standard.

We’re here to help make that transition easier. Our team at Efficient Habitat brings technical insight, experience, and a commitment to finding cost-effective solutions that work for both your project and the planet.

💬 Want to discuss window upgrades for your next development?

Let’s chat — we’re always up for a conversation that leads to better buildings.

Register for a FREE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AUDIT to help you achieve 7 stars with ease.

Are you a builder, developer, architect, or designer aiming to elevate your projects? Whether it’s a single home, a townhouse development, or an apartment building, achieving 7 stars can feel like a challenge—especially on a budget.

Our FREE Energy Efficiency Audit can help you optimize your designs, improve energy ratings, and ensure project success.

We’ve developed a streamlined process to help you reach 7 stars effortlessly—saving time, reducing costs, and unlocking smarter, sustainable design strategies.

Click ‘Tell Me More’ to discover how we can help take your projects to the next level!