An innovative and ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility for high quality, aluminium fenestrations in Cabo Verde Note: This project has been cancelled, because RVO has decided to withdraw the project.Over the last 10 years the construction sector is booming in Cabo Verde. On all islands resorts, hotels, apartment complexes and private houses are being built for tourists, Cabo Verdeans living abroad and for the local population. Currently, all facades and fenestrations are imported in Cabo Verde.In the majority of the constructions, aluminium facades, windows and doors are being used as wood is severely affected by the harsh salty and humid climate of Cabo Verde.However, most imported aluminium products are also of a quality which is not suitable for that climate. The aluminium, its protective coating and the glass windows are too thin and thus not sustainable. The offer of imported facades and fenestrations is also very limited in terms of forms, sizes and colour. Through this project the project partners will establish a factory for the local manufacturing of high quality, ISO 9001 certified aluminium facades and fenestrations in Mindelo on the island São Vicente. It will also broaden the range of aluminium products for sale in Cabo Verde, as the facades and fenestrations will be tailor made according to the wishes of the customer.For this purpose the applicant Window Warehouse (GB) Ltd, the local partner CRIARQ – Estudios E Projectos Limitada and the third partner Aluminium Window Systems Limited will establish a joint venture. The joint venture will produce on a safe and environmentally sustainable way.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Applicant Window Warehouse has a CSR handbook which is part of the contract of the employee. It includes issues like equal opportunity policy, good salaries, pension, insurances, right for flexible working hours, health and safety procedures, grievance procedure, harassment policy, etc.This handbook will be adapted to the situation in Cabo Verde and applied to the project. Active employee participation will be encouraged. Child and forced labour are not accepted within the company. A gender policy will be implemented as well as environmental care.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsDuring the project 57 employees will be contracted, of which 8 high-level, 37 medium-level and 12 basic-level.This will increase to 99 full-time employees two years after the project.Salaries are at least twice the minimum wage level. Good and safe working conditions will be offered.Employees will have to use protecting equipments and be trained on health and safety issues. There will be internal control for safety issues.A social package including health insurance will be offered. Employees receive fringe benefits as transportation to the workplace and canteen facility.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeAs manufacturing aluminium systems is absent in Cabo Verde, the transfer of knowledge on the ISO 9001 manufacturing of high quality manufacturing of aluminium architectural systems is completely new. This will give the employees an advantage on the labour market.•	Chain effectsThe project will have a positive impact on the construction sector as better quality aluminium products will be made available in all sizes and colours.Users of the buildings and houses will benefit of the better windows and doors. The houses and offices will be better isolated.The tourist sector will be able to create a better image through the quality of the fenestrations and facades.The implementation of 9 franchises on the other islands will have a good chain effect.During the project period they will start as employees, but they will be stimulated to become more and more independent and start their own businesses with the technical support of the manufacturing plant.•	EnvironmentThe project will have a neutral impact on the environment. It could even have a slight positive effect as the windows will be better isolated than the imported ones reducing the amount of energy needed for air conditioning of the rooms.The company will take several measures to minimise the impact on the environment.The plant's waste materials, such as glass and aluminium, will be collected and recycled. Water will be purified for use up to 10 times. No toxic materials are used in the production process. Powder coating is a closed process where powder is put on the aluminium frames through an electric process.It does not use chemicals or toxic diluents. The remaining powder will be filtered and reused. An environmental impact assessment will be carried out.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will reserve 28% of the job positions for women in order to ensure a certain gender balance in an industry which is male dominated. Out of the 16 women, 1 is at high-skill level and 12 on medium-skill level. Set up a modern ISO 9001 certified manufacturing facility for aluminium fenestrations and architectural systems in Mindelo, Cabo Verde.