Seminar: Building the Future in a Changing World

This seminar brings together the Norwegian construction industry, public sector stakeholders, and international delegates during the ISO/TC 59 Plenary Week in Oslo to explore how standards contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environment in a rapidly changing world.

Through presentations and real-world examples, you will gain insight into:

• the role of standards in shaping the construction industry
• how standards are applied today in digitalization, sustainability, prefabrication, and resilience
• emerging needs and future opportunities for standardization

The program features both Norwegian and international speakers, closely linked to the work of ISO/TC 59 and its technical committees.

Be part of the conversation—connect with leading experts and gain practical insights into how standards are shaping the future of the construction sector.

The seminar aims to strengthen understanding of the role of international standards in the development of the construction sector, how they are applied in practice, and how standardization can help address future needs and challenges.

What to expect

• High-level perspectives on the value of international standardization
• Practical examples of how standards are applied in today’s construction sector
• Contributions from ISO/TC 59 leadership and key subcommittees
• Opportunities for networking with Norwegian and international stakeholders

The programme combines short keynote presentations, panel discussions, and facilitated networking.

Programme

12:00 Opening session
Why international standards matter
Welcome by Standards Norway and ISO/TC 59

12:30 80 years of ISO/TC 59
From historical foundations to documented value in practice

13:15 Networking break

13:45 Standards in action
Best practice examples from ISO/TC 59 subcommittees

• BIM and digital collaboration
• Sustainability
• Prefabricated buildings
• Resilience

14:45 Networking break

15:00 Looking ahead
Future needs for international standards in the built environment

15:45 Closing session

A more details and speakers will be announced gradually. Please also note that the programme is subject to change. 

Practical information

Date: 19 October 2026
Venue: Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Holbergsgate 30, Oslo
Time: 12:00 –16:00 (registration from 11:30)
Language: English

Evening reception

In addition to the seminar, there will be an official reception at Oslo City Hall from 18:00 to 19:30 on the same day.

Please note that the reception has limited capacity and requires separate registration.

Registration

The seminar is free of charge, but registration is required. Deadline for registration is 1 October 2026.

Please note there is separate registration for the seminar and the reception.

Register for the seminar (registration opens soon) 

Register for the reception (registration opens soon)

Seminar organized in connection with an international standardization meeting in Oslo

In October, Norway will host the ISO/TC 59 Buildings and Civil Engineering Works meeting, with 50 to 100 experts from around 20 countries attending. This seminar marks the official opening of the ISO/TC 59 Plenary Week 2026, and as a participating expert you are warmly invited to participate at the seminar.

This event offers a unique opportunity to engage in the global dialogue on the future of planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact Communications Coordinator Tove Grønseth at Standards Norway if you would like further information.