Free workshops explaining how to take advantage of the sustainability benefits of natural stone are being held in Watford and York this month.

Titled “Natural Stone, The Sustainable Solution,” they are organised by Stone Federation Great Britain but are also open to non-members such as architects and design professionals.

Among other things the workshops will provide guidance on the preparation of a sustainability statement and there will be demonstrations of sustainability assessment tools.

They will include an explanation of the processes involved in environmental profiling and of the environmental certification schemes.

Of particular importance is the practical demonstration of the Green Guide with an emphasis on natural stone and how it can be assessed in terms of its sustainability.

The first course will be held at BRE in Bucknalls Lane, Watford, WD25 9XX on April 19 and offers an optional one-hour guided tour of the BRE Innovation Park, which is a showcase for low and zero carbon building.

The York workshop takes place at Treasurers House in the shadow of York Minster on April 27 and also includes an optional one-hour tour, of York House. Both days begin with registration at 9.30am with the Sustainability Workshops taking place from 10am to 12.30pm with the optional tours departing at 1.30pm.

Although admission is free the number of places is limited so participants must register in advance by email to sandra@stonefed.org.uk or by phone at 01303 856123.

“Sustainability is such an important issue and vital to business success which is why we decided to make these workshops open to non-member as well as Stone Federation members,” explained the Federation’s Chief Executive Jane Buxey.