Fin Windows and Doors is leading the way in responsibly sourced and manufactured residential windows.

Step into a sustainable future with Newcastle-based residential window manufacturer Fin Windows and Doors, a leading advocate for responsibly sourced lower-carbon aluminium windows and doors.

As the demand for eco-friendly building solutions increases, Fin Windows and Doors is at the forefront of providing innovative products that cater to both the environment and the demands for high-quality residential building projects. With a solid commitment to sustainability, Fin Windows and Doors has consciously shifted to sourcing lower-carbon aluminium from Capral Aluminium and manufactures a comprehensive range of high-performance residential windows and doors – the ideal choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners.

Established in 1968, Fin Windows and Doors, led by Jeff Picton, is a longstanding supplier of aluminium windows and doors in the NSW Newcastle and Hunter regions.

"We specialise in providing high-quality residential windows and doors into the domestic construction market," comments Jeff.

Recently, the business has also seen a growing demand for more efficient, more sustainable building products.

"For a long time, customers have asked about efficient glazing options, double glazing and WERS ratings; now they are asking about sustainability, recyclability and where our products come from. It's a definite shift in the conversation – sustainability has become a genuine priority for our customers," continues Jeff.

In 2022, Capral introduced LocAl® lower-carbon aluminium, offering LocAl as standard on all Capral proprietary window and door systems it supplies, including the Urban, Urban Plus and Artisan ranges typically used by Fin Windows.

"It's a game changer," says Jeff "Now we have a unique offer for our residential builders and homeowners; we can supply aluminium window and door systems that meet and exceed their expectations around compliance, energy efficiency and performance. At the same time, offering them a product with excellent sustainability credentials."

One key aspect of sustainable construction is the choice of materials. Traditional aluminium production is energy-intensive and emits large amounts of greenhouse gases. By opting for lower-carbon aluminium used in high-performance, thermally efficient window systems such as those provided by Fin Windows and Doors, homeowners can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings. This helps combat climate change and saves on energy consumption and costs.

The carbon emissions in primary aluminium production range from under 4kg CO2e/kg Al to over 20kg CO2e/kg Al, largely dependent upon the energy sources used. The current global average carbon emission for primary aluminium is approximately 13.9 kg CO2e/kg Al.*

Capral's LocAl® offer includes two lower-carbon aluminium options: LocAl® Green with carbon emissions of 8kg CO2e/kg Al* and LocAl® Super Green at 4kg CO2e/kg Al – amongst the lowest carbon aluminium available globally.

Using lower carbon aluminium in windows and doors is a crucial step towards reducing the carbon footprint of Australian homes.

"We are proud to partner with an aluminium supplier leading the way in this area. Capral is prioritising sustainability and making it possible for small, independent businesses like ours to make a responsible choice around the aluminium products we supply," adds Jeff.

In addition to making LocAl lower in carbon standard for its window systems, Capral has also been accredited under the Aluminium Stewardship Initiatives (ASI) performance and chain of custody standards and is currently the only aluminium extruder within Australia to hold these credentials.

Marketing Manager Kellie Moore comments, "ASI accreditation is essential and will continue to become increasingly relevant in our industry as businesses focus on the responsible sourcing and procurement of aluminium. Like everything, consumers are becoming more interested in understanding the origins of their products, be it coffee beans, leather shoes or building products. Being able to stand hand on heart and say I know where the aluminium I'm supplying comes from and that it has been sourced responsibly is essential for Australian window fabrication businesses."

Capral was also recognised at the 2023 Sustainability Awards as the Green Building Product category winner for its market-leading lower-carbon aluminium offer – LocAl®.

By embracing innovative technologies and responsible sourcing practices, Fin Windows is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future, making a positive impact on the environment, one window at a time.