The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) is Australia's leading system for evaluating the thermal performance of windows and glazed doors. Managed by the Australian Glass and Window Association and compliant with the Australian Fenestration Rating Council protocols, WERS provides homeowners, architects, and builders with a reliable way to compare energy efficiency across different window and door products. With up to 40% of a home's heating and cooling energy lost or gained through windows, choosing high-performance WERS-rated products can significantly reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort year-round.
WERS assigns separate star ratings for both heating and cooling performance on a scale from zero to ten stars in half-star increments. A zero-star rating indicates very poor thermal performance, while ten stars represent the best possible energy efficiency. These ratings reflect the whole-house energy impact when windows are installed in a model home, compared against a baseline of single clear glazing with unbroken aluminum frames.
Every WERS-rated product comes with a certificate and label showing both cooling and heating star ratings, along with key performance data such as U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), and indicative percentage reductions in energy demand. In Australia, top-performing windows typically achieve 6 to 7 stars for heating and 4 to 5 stars for cooling, depending on frame material, glass configuration, and local climate conditions.
Since May 2025, all new homes and major renovations in Australia must meet a minimum seven-star NatHERS shell energy rating. Windows now contribute directly to this whole-home rating, making WERS-rated products essential for compliance with the National Construction Code's energy efficiency requirements. WERS ratings also enable energy assessors to accurately model window performance in NatHERS and other accredited energy assessment software.
Beyond regulatory compliance, WERS-rated windows deliver tangible benefits including reduced heating and cooling costs, improved indoor comfort, less condensation, better glare control, enhanced natural daylight, and even increased property resale value. By modeling real-world energy impacts rather than just listing technical specifications, WERS provides a practical comparison tool that helps homeowners and builders make informed decisions.
ALPES is a professional system window and door manufacturer based in China, specializing in premium aluminum windows and doors designed to meet international energy efficiency standards. With a 100,000 m² manufacturing facility across two production centers in Foshan and Zhaoqing, Guangdong, ALPES supplies high-end aluminum fenestration solutions to projects worldwide, including luxury residential developments in Australia, the Middle East, and beyond.
All ALPES aluminum windows and doors feature PA66GF25 multi-chamber thermal break systems that effectively separate the interior and exterior aluminum profiles, dramatically reducing heat transfer. This thermal break technology is critical for achieving high WERS ratings, as it prevents conductive heat flow through the frame — a major source of energy loss in traditional aluminum windows.
The company uses 6060-T66 grade aluminum profiles with thicknesses ranging from 1.8mm to 2.5mm, meeting and exceeding new national standards for structural integrity and thermal performance. The AW90 Passive Window series, for example, achieves a thermal K-value as low as 1.3, placing it among the most energy-efficient aluminum windows available on the market.
ALPES offers a comprehensive range of aluminum window and door systems designed to deliver exceptional thermal performance suitable for WERS rating:
ALPES partners with world-leading hardware manufacturers including ROTO (Germany), Winkhaus (Germany), CMECH, and Wehag (Germany) to ensure smooth operation, durability, and optimal sealing performance. The company also offers various insulated glass configurations with multiple tint and style options, including double and triple glazing with low-e coatings and inert gas fills — all essential components for achieving high WERS star ratings.
When selecting windows and doors for WERS compliance, consider these critical factors:
Selecting a reputable aluminum sliding window supplier with a track record of delivering high-performance products is essential. Look for manufacturers that:
ALPES meets all these criteria and more. With their advanced manufacturing capabilities, commitment to quality, and focus on energy-efficient design, ALPES aluminum windows and doors are well-positioned to achieve strong WERS ratings while delivering the aesthetic appeal, durability, and performance that discerning homeowners and builders demand.
As energy efficiency regulations continue to tighten and homeowners increasingly prioritize sustainable living, WERS-rated aluminum windows and doors will become the standard rather than the exception. By investing in high-quality thermal break aluminum windows from trusted manufacturers like ALPES, you not only meet regulatory requirements but also create more comfortable, energy-efficient homes that deliver long-term value and environmental benefits.
Whether you're working on a luxury residential project, a commercial development, or a renovation, choosing WERS-rated aluminum windows and doors is a smart investment in energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.
