A programme of maintenance and energy efficiency practice at the University of Sussex in Brighton has involved the installation of Crittall steel windows throughout the Falmer campus. As part of an energy drive to save both costs and the effect upon the environment, the Crittall W20 profiles are being installed in four buildings across the site, replacing the existing windows which were the originals from when the university was first created in the early 1960s.

The University of Sussex was amongst the first wave of similar educational establishments to be founded at the time and it was awarded the Royal Charter in 1961. Since then, it has grown to be classed amongst the top 150 universities in the world as confirmed by the 2008 Times Higher Education University World Ranking.

The decision to replace the single glazed windows with contemporary, modern and high performance double glazed weatherstripped units was made by the Estates and Facilities Management Division in conjunction with surveyors, BLB Surveyors and management contractors, Sussex Building Co. The work involved a like for like replacement following recommendations from the local planning authority, initially for four buildings two of which are Grade 2* listed.

According to Neil Troak, Head of Maintenance at the University, the replacement has not only aesthetically made a big difference, but it announces the universitys dedication to energy efficiency. As the original windows were supplied by Crittall the new windows were a perfect match, he comments. However, the thermal performance and environmental credentials of the new W20 profiles means that in terms of energy efficiency, they meet our strict environmental criteria. Also, out of all the work being done on the campus to improve the external fabric of the buildings, the window replacement scheme went smoothly and completely to plan thanks to the expertise of the Crittall team and the contractors. The result is exactly what we wanted and we are in the process of planning for more of the buildings on the campus to have their windows replaced.