RIBA Product Selector set to be tonnes better

As part of an ongoing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint RIBA Enterprises is today announcing that the 2010 RIBA Product Selector will be published as two volumes, instead of three. The decision is not expected to affect the total number of pages included. Instead, most of the saving will be accounted for by a 10 per cent reduction in paper weight.

The 2010 volume 1 will combine the contents of the current volumes 1 and 2 into a new, thicker directory. Volume 3 will be renamed volume 2, but will otherwise remain largely unchanged in terms of content. Both new volumes will incorporate improvements in design inspired by feedback from users.

"We've recognised for some time now that this was the obvious way forward," says Kate Mackillop, Production Director of RIBA Enterprises. "It makes sense on so many levels. The CO₂ savings alone amount to around 28 tonnes."

In 2008 RIBA Product Selector was read by 20,084 specifiers (ABC audited), including architects, building surveyors, quantity surveyors, interior designers, engineers, developers and contractors. Their expertise covered the health, education, housing and commercial sectors. The directories regularly feature details of over 8,700 manufacturers and their products, making them an obvious starting point in any specification process. The strength of the RIBA brand name is also reflected in the high regard with which they're held, as confirmed by recent studies.

Of course, RIBA Enterprises also hosts ribaproductselector.com. Curious as to the longevity of a paper directory in an internet-friendly world, the same research found that a significant proportion of users remained actively in favour of continued publication. So much so in fact that they gave rise to a new moniker: RIBA Product Selector 'champions'. Most rely upon it to either:

• Narrow the field of search for a product or service
• Find a manufacturer / supplier's website, and / or
• Find up to date product information.
   

Today, the directory offers advertisers the means of communicating with specifiers at every key stage in the purchasing process, and in a language wholly relevant to the job in hand. Unlike email or other promotional material, they can rely upon it being read and retained for twelve months.

As David Shephard of Bolton Gate says, "RIBA Product Selector is an excellent vehicle for companies that recognise the importance of getting specified. We've had a technical page for many years and view it as an integral part of our marketing efforts."

To find out more about including your product and company details in the 2010 edition as a technical page, contact the RIBA Product Selector team at info@riba-insight.com. Closing date for entries is 24 July 2009.

Back to top