The construction industry in New Zealand is facing recent changes to the building code aimed at making homes more energy efficient. With a greater emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, these new regulations require architects to design healthier homes that use energy more efficiently.

To assist in meeting these new requirements, Metro Glass has recently launched SunX Grey Low E double glazing, a new technology solar control glass, designed to limit the amount of solar heat that passes through the glass, helping reduce energy costs by keeping homes cooler in hot weather, while also protecting from glare and sun damage.

SunX Grey Low E double glazing is ideal for windows and facades exposed to a lot of sunshine as it reduces the amount of excess heat build-up in a home — something that's particularly important in New Zealand in regions that have high sunshine hours. This helps to reduce the need for using heat pumps and fans for cooling, which in turn reduces energy consumption.

Not only does it contribute to homes being more energy efficient and comfortable to live in, but SunX Grey also incorporates the latest in window colour trends, with a subtle grey tint that enhances the aesthetic of any home or building. The colour is consistent even when used across different glass thicknesses because the grey tint is part of the Low E coating, unlike other tinted glass, which gets darker as the glass gets thicker.

This new technology also means that specialist glass can be added into the double glazing, such as obscure glass, frosted bathroom glass or sound control glass without the expense of triple glazing.

SunX Grey is suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential applications, it can be used with all types of joinery including aluminium, UPVC and timber.