TRADA launches webinar programme with hard-hitting look at responsible sourcing
TRADA, in partnership with IHS, will stage a pilot webinar (website-based seminar) programme as a potential additional training tool and means of sharing knowledge with members. The first talk on Responsible Sourcing by TRADA Regulations Consultant Rupert Scott will go live on the IHS website at 2pm on 15th June - IHS is a leading global source of critical information and insight, spanning four areas of information: Energy, Product Lifecycle, Security and Environment and specialises in this form of communication.
Webinars offer several benefits to members, said Mr Scott. ‘There is no travel time or cost involved, so training can be maintained on lower budgets. The webinar approach is interactive and all those taking part can send questions and comments during the session, which can be seen by all the others. Also, it is ideal for two or more colleagues to attend at the same time, using one computer. Our partners IHS have particular expertise in this field.'
The experimental sessions are free to TRADA members only and CPD certificates will be available, a further advantage.
The talk will centre on the draft standard BS 8902 Responsible sourcing sector certification schemes for construction products - Specification. It is now out for public consultation and Rupert Scott sits on the committee responsible for the draft, which sets our how material and product sectors can set up responsible sourcing schemes for all construction products, not just timber.
TRADA views this standard ‘very favourably', he said, and believes that its publication later this summer will be a ‘significant milestone' for the construction industry. The subject was relatively straightforward, he added, ‘until the launch of a BRE framework standard on responsible sourcing, which although intended for all sectors was disliked by the majority'.
The BSI committee on BS 8902 was formed as a direct result of the confusion caused by the ‘seriously flawed' BRE document.
The aims of this first TRADA webinar are:
To remove the confusion that now exists over responsible sourcing
Explain the attributes of a good responsible sourcing scheme
Outline the new BSI standard to aid anyone wishing to comment
Explain the differences between responsible sourcing and stewardship
Discuss the impacts for chain of custody schemes such as FSC and PEFC.
A second talk, entitled Modified Wood, will be given on 26th June at 2pm by Dr Andrew Pitman, Head of TRADA Technology's Construction Technical Services division.
Wood can be modified in three ways - by heat treatment, by the addition of chemicals or by impregnation technologies. Dr Pitman will discuss the principles of modification, the effects and benefits of the various processes involved, the applications for modified wood products, along with environmental considerations. The main purpose is to improve timber's natural durability, enhance properties such as strength and harness and reduce moisture-induced-movement. Although modified wood products are relatively new to the market, the technologies in some cases go back as far as the 1920s.
To register email Louise Govier with your name, company name and contact details, job title and email address and indicate which talk you wish to register for.
Logging on details for the day will be supplied on receipt of the booking. Delegates will be able to log on from 1.45pm on the day of the webinars.
