We generate wealth both for our clients and society as a whole by means of research and development, research-based expert consultancy, certification and knowledge dissemination. One of our key goals is to make a contribution to the sustainable development of the industry.

SINTEF Building and Infrastructure is Norways leading disseminator of research-based knowledge to the construction industry. By means of our knowledge systems, publishing house and the SINTEF Certification system, we have established a unique knowledge dissemination platform which serves the greater part of the industry. Close dialogue with the industry gives us a deep understanding of our clients’ current and future needs.

Extensive collaboration with NTNU, leading companies and other research partners participating in both the domestic and global markets, together with optimal utilisation of our laboratories, all provide an important foundation for our activities.

Through The Research Centre on Zero Emission Buildings (ZEB) and our centre for researchbased innovation, Concrete Innovation Centre (COIN), we are developing new solutions for the built environment of the future. By means of a broad spectrum of other projects, we have developed methods and technical solutions for energy efficient buildings, as well as buildings and infrastructure which are adapted to the challenges presented by future climate change.

In Europe, the building sector represents over 40 % of all greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it is also in this sector that measures to reduce the emissions will have the greatest effect. Developing zero emission buildings – buildings with extremely low energy requirements and a zero net climate footprint – is therefore an extremely important climate measure which can contribute to solve many of the challenges we are facing. 

At the turn of the year we had 270 employees. In 2008 these produced knowledge-based research to the value of MNOK 295.

Solutions for the building industry of tomorrow

The future of the building and construction industry will be characterised by the challenges presented by climate change. The need for new energy solutions will demand a massive effort on our part if we are to guarantee sustainable development. The coming generations will have to live with the solutions which we choose today. The key objective here is to find solutions which are cost and energy efficient, and environmentally sound. Other important domestic and global challenges are linked to productivity and quality.

A recent study by BI (the Norwegian School of Management) revealed that one in every eight NOK that contributes to Norwegian economic growth is generated in the building sector, but that levels of research are disproportionately low in relation to the industry’s importance to society. In partnership with the industry and the public sector authorities, SINTEF Building and Infrastructure intends to become a driving force for research and innovation within the building industry.

The dissemination of research results has been a central theme in all our research activities, and ensures that our results are put into practice. We want to make our knowledge accessible to society as a whole, and we make great efforts to disseminate our research results. This dissemination is carried out via our publications, by means of our approvals and certification procedures, and in SINTEF Building and Infrastructure’s knowledge systems such as the Building Research Design Guides and the “Building Industry’s Wet Room Standards” (Byggebransjens våtromsnorm).

Over a 50-year period, the Building Research Design Guides have developed into a national knowledge system. We believe that knowledge presented in the employees’ own language is important for the inclusion of a multinational workforce into the Norwegian corporate culture. A lack of well-presented knowledge, combined with poor communication, can create problems during the building process and may in the worst case constitute a safety hazard. This is why we translate the key elements of the Building Research Design Guides into Polish. The Norwegian building industry also faces major challenges linked to preserving its good name. We are making a contribution to improving this situation by transforming our research results into practical solutions.

In the international arena we are currently assisting American cities with the management of billions of dollars worth of water and sewage pipes. This is carried out using our specially developed software which indicates where and when these pipes should be replaced. Better maintenance prevents leakages and reduces the costs of supplying water for society as a whole. As part of a contract from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are assisting China to rid itself of massive quantities of toxic waste. Norway possesses the world’s leading experts in a technology which converts toxic waste into a valuable resource in the form of fuel for cement ovens.

On the domestic front we are proud to have contributed to the construction of the new Oslo Opera House, which is one of the most important public cultural buildings in Norway since the building of Trondheim Cathedral (Nidarosdomen).

By means of our research and development activities, our client-oriented outlook and our close dialogue with the industry, we will realise our vision: “Technology for a better society”.