Shaping the built environment: Alspec’s sustainable legacy

For five decades, Alspec has been a prominent name in the Australian architectural landscape. From humble beginnings, the company has grown into a leading aluminium window and door supplier, consistently innovating to meet the evolving needs of architects, builders, and homeowners.

Established in 1974, Alspec built its reputation on providing high-quality aluminium window and door systems. However, over the years, the company has expanded its product portfolio to cater to a diverse range of residential and commercial projects. Architects have come to rely on Alspec’s dependable products and comprehensive service, making it a trusted partner in realising their design visions.

Pioneering Sustainable Design: GreenCore Aluminium

Alspec’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its recent launch of GreenCore aluminium, a revolutionary product line that boasts a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint compared to standard aluminium. The development of GreenCore aligns with Alspec’s overarching mission to provide architects and builders with solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also environmentally responsible.

GreenCore is the culmination of extensive research and development by Alspec’s senior management team. Through a unique alloy and manufacturing process, GreenCore achieves a carbon footprint of just 8kg CO2 per kg of aluminium, which is considerably lower than the standard industry figure of 24.9kg. This innovation translates to tangible environmental benefits:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Specifying GreenCore in building projects contributes to a significant decrease in the overall embodied carbon footprint of the structure.
• Sustainable building practices: Architects and builders seeking to meet increasingly stringent sustainability requirements can rely on GreenCore to meet their environmental goals.
• Performance: GreenCore maintains the same exceptional performance qualities as standard aluminium products in terms of structural integrity, weather resistance, and aesthetics.
• Applications: GreenCore is suitable for a wide range of architectural applications, from facades and curtain walls to windows and doors.

By introducing GreenCore, Alspec establishes itself as a frontrunner in sustainable aluminium solutions, empowering architects and builders to design and construct buildings with a minimised environmental impact.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Further solidifying its focus on sustainability, Alspec unveiled its innovative solar offering in late 2023. Alspec Solar leverages cutting-edge Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology to seamlessly integrate solar power generation into building design.

BIPV panels function as building envelope components, generating clean electricity while serving as conventional building materials like cladding or roofing. Alspec Solar offers a comprehensive range of BIPV solutions, catering to various project types:

• Commercial: Large-scale solar installations can significantly reduce energy consumption for commercial buildings.
• Industrial: Industrial facilities with expansive roof spaces can benefit greatly from BIPV integration, generating clean energy on-site.
• Residential: Homeowners can incorporate solar power generation into their roofs or facades, contributing to energy independence and a reduced environmental footprint.

BIPV panels are designed to seamlessly integrate with the aesthetics of the building, offering a visually appealing solution; while also offering a dual benefit – functioning as a building material and generating clean energy, potentially reducing long-term operational costs. And, as with all of their products, Alspec Solar’s dedicated team provides comprehensive support, ensuring a smooth installation process and optimal system performance.

Investing in the Future: Eastern Creek Facility

Alspec’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond product development. The company’s recent investment in its Eastern Creek facility signifies a strategic move towards streamlining operations, meeting future demands, and fostering a commitment to renewable energy. One of the most significant initiatives as part of this investment was the installation of a 99.5kW solar panel system on the roof of their Eastern Creek branch. This system is designed to cover 80% of the facility’s electricity needs, highlighting the company’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

Naturally, this particular facility is just one way that Alspec recognises the crucial role energy efficiency plays in sustainable building practices. The company remains dedicated to staying aligned with the Government’s net zero targets, both through its products, and initiatives in the wider business.

Environmental Transparency: Sustainability Certifications

Alspec demonstrates its dedication to environmental responsibility through its commitment to transparency. The company is currently pursuing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its innovative GreenCore and Ultra GreenCore aluminium products.

By securing an EPD for GreenCore and Ultra GreenCore, Alspec aims to:

• Achieve independent verification: The EPD will provide a globally recognised certification of the low embodied carbon emissions associated with these products.
• Align with NABERS: This will ensure accurate representation of GreenCore’s environmental impact within the upcoming NABERS Embodied Carbon Tool, allowing architects and builders to make informed choices regarding sustainable building materials.

Alspec is also pursuing certification with the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). ASI is a global organisation that sets sustainability standards for the entire aluminium value chain.  Certification through ASI signifies a company’s commitment to responsible sourcing, ethical production practices, and environmental stewardship throughout its operations.

These additions showcase Alspec’s dedication to transparency and achieving the highest standards in sustainable practices within the aluminium industry.

In addition, Alspec is dedicated to responsible supply chain management as a means of furthering the company’s sustainable business practices. This entails a commitment to sourcing materials ethically and responsibly, and working with suppliers who have the same ethical standards.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Innovation

Alspec’s 50-year journey reflects a dedication to excellence in aluminium window and door supply. The company’s unwavering focus on innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility has positioned it as a leader in the architectural industry. As Alspec steps into the next chapter, its commitment to shaping the built environment with intelligent design solutions paves the way for a future that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious.

Alspec
alspec.com.au