No progress without innovation. But in a sector built on certainty and reliability, innovative construction products and systems often encounter reluctance. It is precisely because of this that promising innovations remain underutilised. In collaboration with other certification and inspection bodies, COPRO is therefore launching the innovation certificate: a pragmatic intermediate step to gain controlled experience with new products under real-world conditions.
Between innovation and certification
The familiar product certification based on standards and technical prescriptions provides confidence in quality, but innovative solutions do not meet these existing standards. These solutions have potential, but there is not yet enough practical experience to be deployed across the sector immediately. The innovation certificate bridges that gap.
“With classical certification we rely on the quality management system and the proven performance of a product or system. Innovative solutions still lack that certainty,” says Dirk Van Loo, CEO of COPRO. “The certificate allows us to take that step towards the market, without losing sight of safety and reliability.”
Innovation doesn’t have to be all-encompassing or immediately flawless. What counts is the willingness to experiment, learn and improve. — Pieter Keppens, Unit Manager at COPRO
From idea to practical experience
The certificate allows producers to use their product or system in defined pilot projects. An independent expert group is set up for each innovation dossier to monitor implementation and evaluate the results. This offers many advantages:
- Practical application: Innovations no longer have to wait for certification before being tested.
- Building trust: Both clients and contractors gain insight into performance.
- Clear lessons learned: Valuable feedback and external control of pilot projects guide further development.
- Preliminary process to certification: If the evaluation is positive, the certificate forms the stepping stone to a classic certificate.
“Think of it as a hands-on model for innovation,” says Pieter Keppens, Unit Manager at COPRO. “As a certification body, we not only guide producers through the certification process, but also through the learning process surrounding it. This way, innovation is gradually given the space to grow with complete confidence.”
Consultation on innovation ensures closer cooperation between producers and users. — Dirk Van Loo, CEO of COPRO
Interested in the innovation certificate?
Are you a producer of an innovative construction product or system? Want to submit an innovation dossier? As an independent certification body, COPRO is happy to guide you through this process.
Read more about the certificate here.
