Innovative software paves the way for greener buildings
Together with co-founder Fabian Utigard, he started the software company Kvist Solutions in 2020. Two summers later, they launched the practical platform for planning and monitoring green buildings.
Since then, Kvist Solutions has secured customers and projects across 130 properties and construction sites. Now the company is ready to expand internationally.
- Sweden is our first destination. The market there is much larger than in Norway, so this is a big step for us.
Complex problem
In 2021, the EU introduced new classification systems for sustainable investments, covering areas including buildings and property. The system came into force in January 2023, and the new legal requirements have prompted more construction and property companies to recognise the value of environmental certification.
The construction industry currently accounts for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions. It also generates 25 per cent of all waste and consumes 40 per cent of the world’s energy. To reverse this trend, the industry must rethink how it operates, while projects face increasingly stringent requirements.
‘This major transformation is essential, but environmental reporting is not without its challenges in practice. Certification is seen as expensive and knowledge-intensive. The processes lack standardisation, and up to 50 people may need to work together to prepare, structure and submit the required documentation,’ Engevik explains.
In other words, to build sustainably, carry out environmental analyses and obtain environmental certification, you need input from stakeholders across the entire value chain.
«Environmental analyses and certification processes cost developers and contractors billions of kroner every year.»
Making it easier to build sustainably
The founder explains that previously, the only digital tools available to help stakeholders navigate the ‘environmental process’ were email and Excel. This created significant barriers, resulting in too few environmentally friendly buildings being built and operated. With support from Innovation Norway, the startup was able to conduct a market assessment. This analysis helped Kvist Solutions identify the industry’s needs and adapt its solution accordingly.
‘The industry simply needs to become more data-driven to manage the green transition.’
In a short space of time, the company's two founders have developed a platform that simplifies environmental certification for buildings and property. The solution is cloud-based software that enables property companies, consultants and contractors to plan, carry out and manage environmental certifications cost-effectively. Engevik says their product has been very well received.
«We are in a fortunate position. We can help an entire industry make it easier to build sustainably by removing the friction involved in choosing sustainable solutions for their buildings. We also ensure that the industry spends less time on tasks that are difficult, cumbersome and tedious, freeing up time for work that is rewarding and enjoyable – and that delivers real environmental value,' he explains.»
The concept has strong support
Janne Bøklepp is a senior advisor at Innovation Norway and has extensive experience helping startups. She has followed Kvist Solutions from the beginning and has been impressed by the two founders’ pace and determination.
Bøklepp says the concept is firmly rooted in real needs and challenges in the industry, but believes there are several reasons why the founders have achieved success so quickly.
‘Fabian and Mathias have been exceptionally good at working closely with customers. They meet customer needs, have strong partners and are strong partners themselves, and are good at raising capital.’
The company is also making a significant contribution to a more sustainable industry. Kvist Solutions’ solution automates manual, resource-intensive processes and reduces the risk of costly, environmentally harmful mistakes in projects. By lowering both process costs and knowledge barriers, the aim is to encourage more people to build and operate environmentally friendly buildings and construction projects.
‘In light of this, they were awarded an environmental technology grant of NOK 4 million in 2022. We have also supported them with other initiatives, grants and funding since the company was founded,’ says the senior advisor.
Kvist founder Engevik agrees, adding a grateful clarification:
«We would not be where we are today without Innovation Norway. Having someone believe in us and our business idea has made an enormous difference. Having Innovation Norway behind us has given us momentum, confidence and credibility. »
Read more about how Kvist Solutions presents its solution to international audiences on Business Norway.