More stars for better performance!
To obtain a WincovER star rating, suppliers need to follow a series of steps:
- The shading layer material (a fabric, slat, louvre) is tested at an approved laboratory to the EN14500:2008 standard that measures the basic solar-optical properties of the material.
- After testing is complete, the test results are submitted to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in the USA, who load the data to the Complex Glazing Database (CGDB). In the process of uploading the results, LBNL manages a peer review of the data to ensure validity and integrity.
- Once loaded, the data is then used by the WincovER-qualified simulator to simulate the material within a complete fenestration system (shading material in its most common hardware configuration + a baseline window). This simulation will provide two important measures of performance: the U-value (U) and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), each for the whole window including frame and window covering or outdoor shade material. The final step to rate the material is to simulate these indices in whole-of-house simulation software, which will provide energy values for heating and for cooling effect. These energy values will then be input to the WincovER star rating algorithm to obtain the number of stars for each product. The star rating is a ranking of the product against its competitors. WincovER uses a 10 star system for heating, with a separate 10 star rating for cooling. Both are in half-star increments.
- The star rating results are independently audited prior to being listed in the WincovER Certified Products Hub. Star ratings rank the product on a scale of 0 -10 stars. The higher the number of stars the better the product’s energy performance in reducing heating or cooling energy over a whole year. It is important to remember that window type, design of the house, placement, site orientation and user lifestyle also have an impact on the type of blind, awning, louvre or shutter that will best suit your particular needs.Your WincovER accredited retailer can advise which window covering or outdoor shade might best suit your home.
