BBA hosts global construction products experts at WFTAO Assembly

The use of magnesium oxide boards and insulating façade systems in construction projects was discussed during the recent World Federation of Technical Assessments Organisations (WFTAO) General Assembly, hosted by the British Board of Agrément at its base in Watford.

WFTAO representatives gathered at the BBA’s headquarters for day one, with the following two days hosted by the BBA at the Palace of Westminster, where they continued to discuss product innovation and excellence.

The federation is the worldwide network for co-ordinating and facilitating the technical assessment of innovative construction products, with member organisations in North and South America, Asia, Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Australasia and Russia.

As well as supporting the role of technical assessments worldwide, the WFTAO promotes the transfer of national products to the global market.

Thomas Bruun, WFTAO Secretary General and Managing Director of ETA-Danmark, said: “The wonderful settings for this year’s General Assembly at the BBA in Watford and at Westminster Palace ensured a spirit of cooperation and mutual confidence and enabled members to freely discuss important technical subjects, such as the use of magnesium oxide boards and insulating façade systems.

"Many important experiences and thoughts were exchanged and it is the clear ambition of WFTAO members to pursue these issues further in order to share the outcomes with the relevant stakeholders on a global level.”

BBA CEO, Claire Curtis-Thomas, said: ”We were delighted to host the WFTAO’s 22nd General Assembly. The federation is vital for unifying technical assessments around the world and sharing best practice/information, all with the aim of taking national products into international markets.

"The assembly discussed a number of important matters and was a great opportunity for members to network with counterparts from around the world."

The British Board of Agrément was formed in 1966 and offers certification, test services and installer approval to manufacturers of construction products and systems. It is also the UK's leading authority on the assessment of insulation products and installation techniques.