Current events

Since November 1, 2019, it is mandatory to comply with EN 16034, the harmonized product standard that sets CE marking for fire and smoke-resistant windows and doors. In recent years, SKG-IKOB, as the certification body and Notified Body for this standard, has noticed that many façade construction companies have embraced this obligation and have now become certified. CE-marked products may be placed on the market, thus meeting the obligations imposed by European legislation (CPR). With the exception of steel interior doors, but for these products CE marking is possible through an alternative route.

The IKOB Incentive Fund can financially support one promising project in the construction industry and built environment each year. Eligible are initiatives and interested party in the field of quality, sustainability, safety, energy performance, recycling and (technical) innovations. This can take the form of a research or implementation project. Preferably these are projects that also lead to knowledge products such as new (normative) guidelines, a training program or widely applicable applications.

For SKG-IKOB, a nice development took place in 2021. Together with Bouwend Nederland Vakgroep GLAS has worked on drawing up quality requirements for the installation of glass for companies such as glaziers, glass manufacturers and glass dealers. The inspections are carried out by SKG-IKOB on the building site and based on the results of these inspections, Vakgroep GLAS issues the Glaskeur seal of approval. To ensure that the basic working methods of the companies are in order, SKG-IKOB subjects companies with Glaskeur to an objective independent inspection twice a year. An examination for which no preparation is possible.

CSC, Concrete Sustainability Council, stands for the sustainability of the concrete industry. One of the topics has always been CO2 reduction. This has been made more concrete with a voluntary CO2 module. This allows a manufacturer to indicate the extent to which it contributes to CO2 reduction. This module will come into effect as soon as the baseline has been established in the Netherlands. More information about the CO2 module can be found here: 

Airtight construction is a trend while contributing to building quality. Reducing energy consumption is becoming more important as government requirements become more stringent. With current techniques and controls, the requirements are met. However, it is now very important that with the more stringent requirements, windows doors and façade elements are carefully produced and assembled. Imperfections in production or assembly lead to air losses or water leaks in practice.

In addition to and in nuance to our earlier post, we would like to give you some further information regarding the requirements of the Safety Culture Ladder (SCL). If you would like further information, please check here to see if the Safety Culture Ladder may be applicable to your company.

Unfortunately, many industrial accidents still occur each year due to unsafe practices. It is important to focus within your company on consciously acting safely. Certify your company using the safety culture ladder (SCL). This is an assessment method to measure safety awareness and conscious safe action in your company. As of Jan. 1, 2022, the SCL is mandatory for many organizations within the construction industry. Now there are renewed agreements if a company does not have the required SCL proof on January 1. SKG-IKOB helps you properly introduce the Safety Culture Ladder in your company.

There is a new CSC scheme specifically for marine aggregates. The certificates can be obtained by companies with extraction areas, ships and the shipyard that extract aggregates from marine areas. From now on, these companies can get a CSC certificate. The concrete companies can use this certificate to demonstrate that they use responsibly extracted raw materials and thus increase their CSC score.

As of September 1, 2021, a number of changes took effect within Stichting Normering Flexwonen (SNF). The SNF quality mark demonstrates whether a number of set standards for housing labor migrants have been met. The 100% check is made mandatory, there is a new location register and it becomes mandatory to have an annual administrative check prior to inspections. Our colleague Peterjan Rijs, SNF coordinator is happy to explain these changes.