Environment

We are all responsible for the environment and WINDOOR strives to sensibly utilise what nature has provided. Timber is one of the most efficient insulators and because of its’ organic nature, requires considerably less energy to manufacture than other products including PVC and aluminium.  There is much less heat loss or gain through a timber window than an aluminium one.

And……it is a renewable resource!

Western Red Cedar is WINDOOR's preferred raw material because its' unique properties enable end uses distinct from other softwood species. It is renowned for its naturally occurring resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Its natural durability, dimensional stability and exceptional beauty make it ideal for exterior and internal uses.

WINDOOR uses significant quantities of recycled materials including Oregon and Blackbutt and is undertaking to increase its involvement in using certified sustainable forest products. We are also undertaking a program to reduce electricity consumption in favour of compressed air.

In our factory waste timber is kept to a minimum and recycled where possible. Glass offcuts are also sold for recycling and wood shavings are utilised as animal bedding and fertilisers.

The following is reproduced from "Build in Timber", a publication by the Australian Government's Forest and Wood Products Research & Development Corporation:

"Forests have important roles to play in delivering sustainability because they:

• filter the air and soak up carbon dioxide, one cause of climate change
• create habitats for many birds and animals
• create jobs and wealth across the States
• have the potential to offer recreation opportunities
• provide timber and wood products sourced from a renewable resource

Assessments of the life cycle impacts on the environment of the most commonly used building materials consistently rate timber ahead of all others. It has low embodied energy (the process energy required to produce the basic material  and is a net carbon absorber. Timber truly does grow on trees and well-managed plantations and forests can produce timber on a continuous basis, with minimal adverse effects on soil and water values. Wildlife values of natural forests are protected by setting large areas of forests aside in reserves."