With extensive experience and a strong portfolio of EPDs, Isola has become a clear frontrunner in how environmental data is applied within the construction industry. In collaboration with LCA.no, the company has taken the next step: environmental data is now actively used across the organisation—not only for documentation, but as decision support. Experience, competence and technology have positioned Isola as a company that both understands and actively uses its own data.
Experience as a competitive advantage
Isola was among the first players in the industry to start developing EPDs. The company had already built a solid portfolio and substantial experience when market demand increased. Previously, documentation was largely produced externally, which limited internal access and insight. The transition to LCA.no added a new dimension: data became a tool—not just an end result.
– We have worked with EPDs for a long time, but the difference now is that we understand and control the data ourselves. This means documentation is not just something we deliver, but something we actively use, explains Raquel Flavio, Environmental and Documentation Manager.
She emphasises that this development is as much about organisational culture as it is about systems.
Sustainability as a shared language across the organisation
One of the most important outcomes for Isola is that sustainability is no longer confined to a single function. When EPD data is accessible and understandable across departments, sustainability becomes a practical tool—rather than a standalone requirement.
– Departments communicate more closely now. Everyone works from the same data set, which makes sustainability more concrete and relevant in everyday decision-making, says Åsmund Strandgård, Head of the Product Technology Centre.
Sales, marketing and product development now view environmental data as a natural part of the decision-making process, not as a report produced at the end.
Analysis and scenario modelling that improve decisions
Isola actively uses the scenario modelling functions in the EPD tool—not only to generate documentation, but to test the impact of different choices. This includes assessments of raw materials, energy use, production methods, transport and packaging. By modelling alternative scenarios in advance, Isola can identify which measures deliver the greatest impact—both environmentally and economically.
– We use the analysis tools to test different pathways before making decisions. This gives us insight into what actually works, and what does not, says Flavio.
As a result, initiatives are no longer based on assumptions, but on data and simulations accessible throughout the organisation.
The return scheme gives products new life and reduces climate impact
One of Isola’s most significant success stories is its return scheme. The company manufactures asphalt-based roofing membranes, and production waste, installation offcuts, and old roofing materials from demolition and renovation projects are collected through the “Isola Takretur” scheme.
The material is then sent to a partner who uses it as an input material in road asphalt production. When products are reused rather than discarded, their climate footprint is significantly reduced.
– It was striking to see how much we could reduce the footprint of certain products. It really demonstrates the value of circularity, says Flavio.
For Isola, this clearly illustrates that environmental data is not merely documentation—it is part of the company’s responsibility to contribute to a more circular and sustainable construction industry, where materials are utilised more efficiently and waste is given new value.
Customer requirements, regulatory changes and the need for clear data
The market has matured rapidly. Contractors, building material suppliers and public authorities now impose significantly stricter documentation requirements than before—and they expect suppliers to understand and explain the data they present. For Isola, this has been an advantage, as long-standing EPD experience and strong internal competence have prepared the company well.
– When we deliver accurate and up-to-date environmental data, our customers gain an advantage in their own projects and can handle environmental requirements more efficiently, says Silje Netskar, Marketing Manager at Isola.
Isola sees growing demand for clear, transparent and consistent data—and finds that LCA.no’s tools provide the flexibility needed to meet these expectations.
An EPD tool that improves efficiency and strengthens internal competence
Even with many years of experience, the EPD process was previously time-consuming. Updates required significant effort and were often dependent on external consultants. Since adopting LCA.no’s EPD tool, Isola can update documentation more quickly, with reduced risk and far less manual work.
– We didn’t want a system focused solely on output, but a tool that could help us develop further. We now spend less time, have better control, and retain more knowledge internally. That gives us a completely different level of confidence, says Flavio.
Trond Risberg at LCA.no describes Isola as a prime example of how experienced companies gain the greatest value by taking ownership of both process and insight.
That is the goal: for our customers to own both the process and the understanding.
Having joined LCA.no directly from a role at Isola around a year ago, Risberg brings deep insight from both sides—an asset that has proven valuable to both parties throughout the collaboration.
Looking ahead: greater data flow, deeper insight
With a solid technical and professional foundation in place, Isola is now exploring how EPD data can be integrated with other systems—both internally and externally. The ambition is to make environmental data as accessible as other key performance indicators, providing customers with clear and timely insight when they need it.
– We have worked with this for many years, but we are now at a level where the data can be used much more broadly. This is only the beginning, says Strandgård.
Isola aims to use environmental data as an integral part of innovation, product strategy and customer dialogue going forward.