Conference: Building for the Future

The conference brings together representatives from the Norwegian construction industry, public-sector organisations and international participants in connection with the ISO/TC 59 plenary week in Oslo. Together, we will explore how standards contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient built environment in a rapidly changing world.

Through presentations and practical examples, you will gain insight into:

• the role of standards in the development of the construction industry
• how standards are currently used in digitalisation, sustainability, prefabrication, and resilience
• emerging needs and future opportunities for standardisation

The programme features both Norwegian and international speakers closely involved in the work of ISO/TC 59 and its subcommittees.

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

What to expect

• High-level perspectives on the value of international standardisation
• Practical examples of how standards are used in today’s construction sector
• Contributions from the leadership of ISO/TC 59 and key subcommittees
• Opportunities to network with Norwegian and international participants

The programme includes presentations, panel discussions and dedicated networking sessions.

Programme

• Welcome
  Ruth Astrid Sæter (moderator)
• Opening address
  Bjørnar Skjæran, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development
• Standards, committee work and international frameworks
  Silvio Dulinsky, Deputy Secretary-General, ISO
• The importance of standards for competitiveness in the construction sector
  Jacob Mehus, Managing Director, Standards Norway
• ISO/TC 59: 80 Years of Standardization
  (video)

Standards in action

• Resilient buildings
  Dr Jing He, Chair of the standardisation committee for Resilience of buildings and civil engineering works
• Using standards in business development – examples from low-carbon cement and carbon capture
  Terje Rønning, Digital Transformation Officer & Product Innovation Manager, Heidelberg Materials
• The digital construction client – How BIM and GIS are used in major infrastructure projects
  Rikke Grøstad, Project Manager, and Marit Brandtsegg, Special Adviser, Norwegian Public Roads Administration
• The Fornebu Line – Using BIM in a civil engineering project
  Hilde Nordskogen, Project Director, the Fornebu Line
• Can prefabrication deliver better buildings – faster and at a price more people can afford?
  (speaker from ISO/TC 59/SC 19 Prefabricated building)
• Sustainable buildings, civil engineering works and the construction sector
  Anne Rønning, NORSUS and member of ISO/TC 59/SC 17 Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works
• Networking break

A look into the near future

• How do Norwegian authorities and the construction industry view competitiveness, trade and the implementation of policy through standards?
  Vegard Wennesland, State Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and and Nina Solli, Managing Director, The Federation of Norwegian Construct. Industries
• Digital product passports: What does the EU require, how are standards being developed, and how do ISO and CEN cooperate?
  (to be confirmed)
• Panel conversation: Challenges ahead - what are they?
• Closing remarks
  Jøns Sjøgren, Managing Director of the Federation of Norwegian Construction Industries and Chair of ISO/TC 59 Buildings and civil engineering works

The programme is subject to change.

Reception at Oslo City Hall

Following the conference, the City of Oslo invites all participants to a reception at Oslo City Hall at 18:00 to 19:30. The reception will include speeches and light refreshments. Please note that the reception has limited capacity and requires separate registration. When you register, you therefore need to indicate whether you plan to attend the reception or not.

Practical information

Date: 19 October 2026
Venue: Radisson Blu Plaza, Sonja Henies plass 3, Oslo
Time: 12:00 –16:00 (registration, networking and a light lunch from 11:30)
Immediately after the conference and before departure for the reception at Oslo City Hall, there will be an opportunity to network over light refreshments, approximately from 16:00 to 17:00.
Language: English

Registration

This registration link is for ISO/TC 59 experts and Standards Norway employees. Deadline for registration is 1 October 2026.

Register (ISO/TC 59 experts)

Questions?

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