Glazing
Glazing plays a role in the lighting, noise, insulation and glare of an office. Natural ventilation can be used as an alternative to air conditioning systems. Although not always an option in all office fit-outs, windows that open offer passive heating/cooling options.
Issues
- Air conditioning systems require energy to run (10%-50% of energy consumption).
- Sealed windows have been identified as a factor in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).
- Personal control over temperature and ventilation positively influences work performance.
- Access to daylight is associated with more positive moods, stress reduction and increased job satisfaction.
Pointers
- Utilise existing opening windows.
- Consider replacing some, or all, non-opening windows with opening windows.
Useful resources and information
At present there is little information about glazing specifically targeted at commercial offices in New Zealand. The following list will be updated as more information becomes available.
- For a range of simple technical manuals showing glazing options visit the Australian Your Home website
- For an in-depth explanation of the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) visit the WERS website
- For WERS in a New Zealand context with New Zealand localised WERS Star Charts visit the Window Association of New Zealand website
