After almost three years leading the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (IBU), Florian Pronold, former Parliamentary State Secretary, is stepping down as Managing Director at his own request at the end of March 2026. In future, he will work as a solicitor and consultant and will continue to support the IBU on a project-by-project basis. “Florian Pronold took over the IBU during a difficult period, stabilised it financially and, at the same time, developed it in a forward-looking manner. On behalf of the Executive Board and the entire Institute, I would like to thank him most sincerely for this. We deeply regret his departure, but are also delighted that he will continue to be involved with the IBU on a project basis in the future”, said Hans Peters, Chairman of the IBU Executive Board. Under his leadership, the IBU has made significant progress in recent years: the number of members has risen from 280 to around 400 companies and associations. Turnover grew from €1.8 million to around €3 million, and Florian Pronold steered the IBU into profitability, with a clear focus on future investments. The number of published Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) also increased by more than a third. Furthermore, the establishment of IBU Verify GmbH laid important structural and strategic foundations for the future development of the verification system and the requirements of the new Construction Products Regulation.
On 1 April 2026, Dr Martina Bender will take over as Managing Director of the IBU. She succeeds Florian Pronold and brings with her extensive experience in the sustainability-focused transformation of the construction products industry. A graduate in economics and forestry, she has more than twelve years’ experience in the fields of product sustainability and environmental management, as well as in the preparation and automation of life cycle assessments and environmental product declarations. Most recently, she worked as an independent verifier for environmental product declarations at IBU Verify GmbH and is thoroughly familiar with the normative principles and processes of the IBU EPD system. “Environmental Product Declarations are becoming increasingly important for providing transparent and reliable environmental data in the construction sector. Thanks to my experience in the construction products industry and as an independent verifier, I have a thorough understanding of both sides of the system. I look forward to working with the IBU to consistently drive forward the further development of the EPD system, as well as digitalisation and quality assurance.”
The IBU would like to thank Florian Pronold for his tremendous dedication and looks forward to working with Dr Martina Bender in her new role.
The IBU continues to grow: 13 new members in Q1 2026
The Institute for Construction and the Environment (IBU) continues on its growth trajectory: In the first quarter of 2026, 13 companies and organisations joined the network. They share the common goal of taking environmental responsibility and contributing to more sustainable construction practices through transparent, reliable environmental data. “The fact that more and more companies are joining the IBU sends a strong signal about the importance of transparency and robust environmental data in the construction sector. I am convinced that the IBU will continue to pursue this path consistently in the future and provide important impetus for sustainable construction,” said Florian Pronold, Managing Director of the IBU.
We warmly welcome the new members:
- Lithodecor Fassaden GmbH
Core business:Manufacture of resource-efficient lightweight façade systems in glass, ceramics and natural stone. As well as upcycling old natural stone façade panels for reuse in facades.
Main market: Worldwide, primarily Germany, the UK, the USA and Denmark - EcoPals GmbH
Core business: Development and distribution of ecological solutions for the circular economy, particularly in the construction sector
Main market: Europe - Rieder Smart Elements GmbH & Co KG
Core business: Manufacturer of sustainable façade solutions made from glass fibre reinforced concrete.
Main market: Europe, USA, Canada, GB - ZAPP – ZIMMERMANN GmbH
Core business: Development, manufacture and distribution of innovative fire protection systems, particularly in the area of cable, pipe and combined compartmentalisation systems
Main market: Europe - Devilee Insulation
Core business: Manufacturer of circular building insulation
Main market: Europe - heroal – Johann Henkenjohann GmbH & Co. KG
Core business: Manufacturer of aluminium system solutions for roller shutters, sun protection, roller doors, windows, doors, sliding doors, façades and canopies
Main market: Europe - mflor International B.V.
Core business: Manufacturer of designer vinyl flooring
Main market: Europe - KSB SE & Co. KGaA
Core business: Pumps, valves and service
Main market: Global - Aluplast GmbH
Core business: Manufacturer of uPVC window and door systems
Main market: Europe - Paul Müller Technische Produkte GmbH
Core business: Development and manufacture of plastic products for track superstructure
Main market: Global - Flüssigboden OWL GmbH & Co KG
Core business: Development and installation of liquid soil
Main market: Europe - Nobilia-Werke J. Stickling GmbH & Co KG
Core business: Manufacturer of kitchen, bathroom and living room furniture
Main market: Global - Odenwald Faserplattenwerk GmbH
Core business: Manufacturer of suspended ceiling systems and mineral wool acoustic tiles
Main market: Global
We would like to thank all companies and organisations for placing their trust in the IBU and look forward to a successful collaboration!