Environmental Policy

Updated September 2023

Design Windows Environmental Policy Background

Design Windows is one of the South Island’s leading aluminium window and door system manufacturers. We manufacture aluminium joinery by one of the most respected brands in the building industry, Altherm Window Systems a division of APL.

Statement of Intent

Design Windows recognises its role as a leading aluminium joinery manufacturer we must conduct business in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. We understand that protecting the environment is essential to creating a sustainable business future and actively seek to minimise the environmental impact of all Design Windows activities.

Guiding Principles

Design Windows will;

Strive to minimise the environmental impact of our daily business operations and embrace initiatives that protect the environment
Comply with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations and consents
Clearly communicate environmental management practices to staff and support their full implementation
Encourage the efficient use of resources promoting, reduction, reuse and recycling where practical
Avoid unnecessary use of hazardous materials and products, seeking substitutions where possible

Production Waste Management

Aluminium

Our aluminium supplier APL recycles 99.9% scrap aluminium at the smelter
Design Windows factories recycle all scrap aluminium at local recyclers

Glass

Where possible broken glass is returned for recycling into insulation which is made up from more than 80% recycled glass or used in civil construction projects

uPVC

Off cuts of uPVC created during the manufacturing process are recycled in New Zealand by Marley

Packaging

Wooden case bases are sent back to APL for reuse
Reusable pallet covers are used instead of plastic wrap
Polystyrene packers, paper and interleaving plastic are all recycled

Energy Efficient Buildings & Vehicles

Design Windows incorporates energy efficiencies into all plant and equipment when upgrading or replacing. We use LED lighting where possible throughout our factories. The Design Windows fleet is maintained to a high level and where possible modernised to increase fuel efficiency.

Energy Efficient Products

To cater for the greater emphasis on energy efficiency in homes, Design Windows has the complete system of thermally efficient windows and doors with its ThermalHeart+®, and Klima Series uPVC range. Our project managers encourage top performing joinery to ensure buildings are as energy efficient as possible.

The Klima Series of windows and doors is a uPVC window system that when combined with Low-E double glazing is rated to a maximum 6 energy stars under Weers (Window Energy Efficiency Rating System). They are made from a highly durable uPVC, an environmentally-friendly lead free formulation.

The ThermalHeart+® range is the new technology for windows and doors that almost doubles the performance of standard aluminium windows and doors. This versatile system of thermally efficient frames and unique AGP System® glass creates warmer, drier and healthier homes for both us and the environments we live in. When used with the innovative Centrafix™ installation option, thermal performance is further increased by over 20%

ThermalHEART® frames deliver almost double the thermal performance of standard aluminium windows and doors

The AGP System® sits right at the heart of our products’ thermal performance:

The ATS-Architectural Thermal Spacer® reduces the transfer of hot and cold temperatures
Argon gas creates an additional barrier to heat loss and improves insulation
Solux-E® is a low emissivity (Low-E) coating that reduces heat loss in winter and over-heating in summer. It protects your home's interior while providing a similar clarity to clear glass

The Centrafix™ installation method recesses the joinery into the building wall, aligning the insulation elements - wall, window frame, glazing – to prevent cold air from circulating around the frame. This New Zealand designed innovation increases the thermal performance in your home by over 20%