The heroes behind the scenes: The insulation industry's key role in the green shift
Welcome to a very special episode of the Isolert Sett podcast! This time, we're taking you to the Peer Gynt Hall in Grieghallen, Bergen, where an engaged audience gathered during the Overflate conference on 12 November 2024. The episode marks the one-year anniversary of the podcast and was recorded live with the theme: ‘The heroes behind the scenes - the insulation industry's role in the green shift.’
The panellists
The following panellists were seated on stage (from left to right):
- Erlend Førsund, Marketing Manager at Isopartner.
- Trond Erik Johansen, key account manager at Isopartner
- Lasse Øvreås, Technical Manager at StS Isonor and Chairman of NKF Bergen.
- Bård Espelid, chairman of the day and deputy chairman of NKF Bergen.
- Ingrid Solheim, CEO of StS Isonor and Chairman of the Corrosion Contractors' Association.
- Espen Hjortland, Vice President Product & Robotics at Beerenberg.
- Christian Heggelund, technical manager for insulation at Kaefer.
The green shift: From symbolism to action
Through the conversations on stage, it became clear how the insulation industry plays a crucial role in the green shift. Ingrid Solheim reflected on developments in recent years: ‘A few years ago, when I was at the oil fair, I saw how companies had decorated their stands with green carpets and yucca palms. There were green ties and name changes to give a greener impression. Now, however, we're seeing a shift away from facade building and towards technological measures that can actually help reduce emissions and drive the green shift forward.’
An interactive experience
The last 15 minutes of the episode were devoted to questions from the floor, where the audience engaged with important and exciting input. Although we didn't manage to include all the questions, the feedback from both the audience and the programme committee gave a clear signal: This format was a success and a possible new standard for future conferences.
What engaged the audience?
Several questions from the audience focused on current topics affecting the insulation industry:
- Environmental requirements in public procurement:
The audience asked what the panel thought about the new, stricter requirements for climate and environmental considerations to be weighted by at least 30 per cent in public procurement. The panel emphasised that these requirements represent both a significant opportunity to promote sustainable solutions and a challenge for the industry. In particular, it was discussed how the requirements for documentation and certification of environmental performance can be time-consuming and costly for smaller organisations. At the same time, the new requirements open up for innovation and development of more environmentally friendly products and solutions. The panel agreed that clear and objective evaluation criteria are essential to ensure that the most environmentally friendly solutions are chosen, and that there is a need for more guidance and support for the industry to adapt to the new requirements - Documentation and communication:
The audience asked whether the industry is good enough at documenting and communicating the value of energy efficiency. The panel emphasised that much is already being done, but that contractors often enter projects too late, and that we need to be better at showing the savings that proper insulation can provide, preferably through collaboration with research environments. - Recruitment and pay:
One participant pointed to the challenging situation of recruiting young people to the insulation profession. In particular, salary levels and the industry's reputation were highlighted as key challenges. The panel agreed that it is crucial to change the narrative around the insulation profession to make it more attractive. In order to attract young talent, the industry needs to more clearly communicate the profession's importance for sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as offer competitive wages and working conditions. The panel also discussed the need to collaborate with educational institutions to develop more modern and relevant training programmes.
The Surface Conference: An arena for knowledge and networking
With over 400 attendees, 40 presentations and 30 exhibitors, the Surface Conference is a meeting place for anyone working in or interested in the ISO disciplines. The event is known as ‘the place to be’ for those who want to contribute to the green shift, discover new technology, update themselves professionally, network with industry colleagues and help develop themselves, their businesses and the industry further.