Details
 

Researcher:	Stephen Ledbetter
Funded:	DTI
Total value:	£247,000
Partners:	BWF Leeds Metropolitan University City University CWCT
Status:	Completed

Introduction

The FACETS project will make technology and information more accessible in the window and cladding and construction industries. Run by the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology (CWCT) and funded from the DTI Technical Focus Programme it is intended to transfer technology into SMEs (companies employing less than 100 people). Valued at £247,500 the project is 50% funded from industry.
 

The Need

The cladding and window industry spans the construction and manufacturing sectors and includes both those who design and manufacture components and assemblies and also those who design and construct buildings. The industry is characterised by a large number of SMEs (Architects, consultants and specialist sub-contractors) and no large companies able to lead the sector. A recent Products and Services Review for the DTI showed the need for networking, for technology transfer and access to information so that the SMEs in this sector can compete against international competition.
 

The Solution

The development of an on-line cladding forum using web technology is ideally suited to networking these SMEs and providing access to the technology and information that they require. Much technology and information has been developed over the last 8 years by the CWCT, funded jointly by industry and the DETR. The FACETS project will give SMEs access to this and other information and also the under pinning knowledge needed in some of the smaller SMEs if they are to access the technology.  The FACETS CD-ROM can be pre-viewed on the publications pages.

In addition The Cladding Forum to be developed as part of this project will enable SMEs to access a technical enquiry desk at CWCT and provide a gateway to other sources of information available globally on the internet.
 

The Project

CWCT will produce technology transfer packages. These will contain technical information and be made available electronically either on CD or on-line as part of a subscription website.
The twelve technology transfer packages planned are:

• Glass and glazing
• Advanced glazings and photovoltaics
• Sealing of building envelopes
• Rainscreen cladding
• Finishes and durability
• Life cycle costing
• Structural performance
• Tolerances, accuracy, jointing and surveying
• Structural glass and structural sealant glazing
• Supply chain analysis, QA and FMEA
• Thermal insulation and energy efficiency
• Acoustics, ventilation, building comfort and adaptive facades

• the format of FACETS
• the content of the technology transfer packages
• the promotion of FACETS with SMEs

Benefits

The key benefit is to provide UK SMEs in this industry sector with access to the latest technology and best practice so that they can match their international competitors.
The UK cladding and window industry is worth in excess of £3 billion and comprises many hundreds of small SMEs. This project will network 200 SMEs by the year 2000 and it is estimated some 500 SMEs will eventually have access to The Cladding Forum.
 

Dissemination