The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has signed an agreement with a Chinese conservation body for joint development of heritage construction skills.
The institute has signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the Suzhou Wudu Construction Investment Company, to work together on research, methodologies and training, and boost conservation expertise in China. The agreement allows for exchange of heritage experts for workshops and site visits.
There are 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites in China.
The agreement was signed by current CIOB president Rebecca Thompson, a conservation specialist who runs her own heritage consultancy.
“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.”
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.
