The government has recognised that building efficiency can be directly related to the choice of building materials, floor coverings and insulation. They have not ventured to other areas of buildings yet, but the next most obvious area of heat loss is through the glass.

To save energy, existing aluminium and plastic windows could be replaced by solid timber windows and double glazing which could help lower heat transfer.

The other option to reduce heat loss would be to consider Western Red Cedar shutters as a viable window furnishing. The plantation style shutter has been seen only as a fashion item. It’s popular for it’s ability to control and filter light, allow natural airflow, reduce floor fading and of course for it’s beauty, but as yet has not been recognised for it’s ability to save energy.

Western Red Cedar naturally provides higher value insulation than most woods and 1 inch is equivalent to a brick.

When tested, Western Red Cedar shutters rated higher in reducing heat transfer than plastic shutters, aluminium shutters, timber blinds, foil backed pleated blind and roller blind.

Window furnishings have not yet been included in energy rating schemes, but added anecdotal evidence to the facts of this popular timber, the astute homeowner and developer should consider Open Shutters Western red Cedar shutters a wise long term investment in the environment.

The effects of controlling heat within the home have been well documented. Western Red Cedar shutters should be a serious contender when considering sustainability and energy saving options. Open Shutters interior Western Red Cedar shutters are fitted inside windows and doors and are designed to your specific openings so they become integrated with the window as part of your homes design.

What makes Western Red Cedar so popular is its strength. Sourced from the sustainable forests of Canada, Western Red Cedar shutters are cut from solid pieces of timber resulting in increased durability and stability.

Western Red Cedar is lightweight and has beautiful warm tones when left natural. Its ability to be painted & stained makes it the timber of choice for Open Shutters.

With twenty years experience as a specialised shutter manufacturer who has tried and tested many timbers including Tasmanian Oak, Basswood Palonia, Craftwood, Syrian Cedar, Rosewood, Rock Maple, Arakaria /Hoop Pine and Radiata Pine to name a few. Western Red Cedar has proven without a doubt to be the superior choice for continued reliability and longevity.

Open Shutters has won many awards for areas of business which include innovation in manufacture, environmental practices and training.

Open Shutters are manufactured locally. They offer technical advice and support for large as well as small projects. They have staff which includes: cabinet makers, wood machinists, joiners, carpenters, painters and engineer on site.

They also offer a comprehensive pricing and tender system at the manufacturing plant on the Central Coast. Open Plantation Shutters are also available from trained designers and installers in most capital cities to assist you in the integration of Open Shutters into your home/project.

We meet bi-monthly and are supported by Australian Business Limited and the State Chamber of Commerce.

Our last meeting looked at ways to develop Australian skills by encouraging more of our youth to consider becoming apprentices and trainees.

We identified a need to establish industry links to feeder schools, with the aim of exposing parents and students to the opportunities manufacturing offers when making career choices.

The meetings are held at member facilities. This allows a sharing of ideas and technical expertise. The last group meeting was hosted by Clements - manufacturers of world-class medical and scientific equipment. We saw a variety of operating tables at various stages in production along with other technical and customised equipment.

Congratulations to Clements for a great night.