CIOB signs conservation construction agreement in China
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has signed an agreement with a Chinese organisation for joint development of heritage construction skills.
The institute has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the Suzhou Wudu Construction Investment Company, based near Shanghai, to work together on areas such as research, construction methodologies and training with the aim of boosting conservation expertise in China.
The agreement will also allow for the exchange of heritage experts for seminars, workshops, conferences and site visits.
Rebecca Thompson CIOB President said: “The heritage sector provides unique challenges and opportunities for construction professionals and demands many specialist skills, and this agreement will help both the UK and China develop their conservation expertise,” she said.
“It continues the development of the CIOB’s presence in China, where the institute has established a strong relationship with government and educational bodies, construction companies and trade associations.”
There are 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites in China, second only to Italy worldwide.
The agreement was signed for the CIOB by current president Rebecca Thompson, a conservation specialist who runs her own heritage consultancy.
The CIOB currently offers a building conservation certification scheme at three levels – registered, proficient, and certified – which links to the CIOB Academy course Understanding Building Conservation.