TRENDS AND CLEAR DRIVERS AFFECTING DEMAND
Nordic Waterproofing can make a significant contribution to a world where the focus is increasingly on protecting buildings and infrastructure, and also on improving energy efficiency.
GLOBAL MEGATRENDS – CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND GEOPOLITICS
The global megatrends of climate, environment, energy and geopolitics create opportunities for the Group’s product and service offerings, but also challenges for the business’ own impact.
– ENERGY AND ECOLOGICAL TRANSFORMATION
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risk Report 2023 covers economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal and technological risks assessed at two-year and ten-year horizons. Nordic Waterproofing’s range of products and services are affected by, and therefore contribute to, three of the top ten ranked risks in particular:
Failed climate action – especially reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Extreme weather – torrential rain, heat waves, drought etc.
Loss of biodiversity
There is a growing demand for sustainable building and infrastructure solutions, defined as green building materials. The focus is on reduced carbon footprint, increased resilience to climate change (e.g. increased rainfall and flood risks), industrial symbiosis (reuse of materials) and energy efficient and renewable materials.
Green transition – a key driver
The Group’s business is based on the fact that its offer is designed to protect and insulate buildings, both existing and new.
The EU’s 2050 zero emissions target and the EU’s Green Deal are key drivers pushing the need for investment in sustainability in buildings, with a focus on carbon footprint reduction and energy efficiency. The EU Green Deal is also targeting the renovation of existing buildings with new financing solutions under the EU’s investment program to improve energy efficiency. The rate at which buildings are renovated in terms of energy performance needs to at least double, according to assessors, if climate targets are to be met.
Biodiversity provides biodiversity
Biodiversity and a better microclimate are important components of cities, benefiting human health and well-being while enhancing biodiversity. This can be achieved through green infrastructure, i.e. green roofs, vegetation solutions and connecting green spaces.
Renewable electricity generation with increased photovoltaic installations is also driving demand for installation services and technical solutions.
Depletion of natural resources
Another of the WEF’s ranked risks is resource depletion. In addition to protecting buildings and infrastructure with bitumen-based products based on a residual product, the company is also increasing the share of renewable materials in the form of wood in prefabricated elements.
Competition for talent
Attracting and retaining well-trained and skilled employees is crucial to the competitiveness of many industries, including construction. Employees with broad experience and diverse backgrounds create the conditions for new insights and methods as well as strong customer relationships.
