Building a global future for roofing

By The Coffee Shops.

The IFD has already demonstrated the power of international collaboration. Now, the opportunity is to expand that impact by welcoming new voices and nations into the fold.  

The roofing industry may look different from one country to the next, but the challenges it faces are often more similar than one might expect! For example, labour shortages and a changing climate are challenging professionals around the world to innovate time-saving technologies and develop new sustainability programs. 

In light of this globalization of the roofing community, organisations like the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) emerge as key players. Recently, we sat down with Ulrich Marx from the ZVDH, Germany's roofing association, to talk about how being a member of global organisations like IFD help their company thrive.  

ZVDH’s history goes all the way back to IFD’s founding. As Ulrich put it, “We are a founding member; because we have a strong belief in a worldwide roofing community...Roofs are built all over the world and it is very important to exchange knowledge with the professionals working all over the world.” 

When reflecting on how being a member of IFD has helped ZVDH grow over the decades, Ulrich highlighted the World Championship of Young Roofers, “The biggest benefit of the IFD is the World Championship. This is the most important factor to link young professionals all over the world and create a huge network for young roofers and also for the experts.” 

And it truly is these networks and connections that exemplify the power of IFD. It has been felt firsthand by the team at ZVDH who have developed both valuable professional relationships through the IFD as well has friendships that strengthens the entire global community and industry. Ulrich has personally experienced the importance of these connections, sharing:  

I remember a discussion with my American colleague Bill Good, the former CEO of NRCA. That was about ten years ago. Bill told me about their research institute and how it works. That impressed me much and together with my people in Germany we started planning our own institute to implement more technical knowledge combined with scientific input. Last year we founded the German Institute for roof and facade technology. A true value of the IFD connections.  

Overall, Ulrich and ZVDH’s experiences with IFD are just one example of the power of an international organisation. And as the federation looks toward the future, one priority stands above the rest: Bringing more countries into the conversation. 

The roofing industry is often at the centre of some of the world's most pressing challenges and greatest opportunities — particularly in areas such as solar integration, energy efficiency and building envelope performance. By bringing more countries into the IFD community, who each add their unique perspectives, ideas and expertise, the global roofing industry grow stronger. And a stronger global industry is key to creating safer, more efficient, and more sustainable buildings.