PFAS are found in our food, soil, aquatic environments and in our bodies. While authorities test, clean up and contain the contamination, consumers and industries are trying to figure out how to avoid using this harmful, forever chemical in everyday life and production.

But when it comes to the buildings we live and work in, knowledge is very scarce. And here the construction industry faces a major challenge. Because can you even ensure that your construction is PFAS-free? How do you handle construction waste that may contain PFAS? What are the consequences of having PFAS in your buildings for the environment and people?

On September 9, 2025 We will delve into this aspect of PFAS contamination in our society. And you can join us by registering for the conference below.

Time: 13.00-16.30

Place: Christiansborg, Fællessalen

Here you can meet, among others, Xenia Trier, associate professor, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Christian Poll, special consultant, Consumer Ombudsman and Jan René Rasmussen, team leader, Gladsaxe Municipality.

Host for the conference: Anne Pauline (S)

See the conference program below, or download here .

12.30-13.00 Registration and coffee/croissant

• by Moderator Helene Chéret, Green Transition Denmark

13.05-13.15 Opening speech

• by Anne Paulin, circular economy rapporteur and housing rapporteur (S)

13.15-13.40 What do we know about PFAS − Challenges and opportunities for phase-out

• Xenia Trier, associate professor, University of Copenhagen and the PFAS Center

13.40-14.10 PFAS in construction – Presentation of results and recommendations

• Anke Oberender, senior consultant, Danish Technological Institute and Anna-Mette Monnelly, specialist, Søren Jensen Consulting Engineering Firm.

14.10-14.35 Break with coffee and fruit

14.35-14.55 Gladsaxe Municipality: A decision on Nordic Ecolabelled daycare institutions

• Jan René Rasmussen, team leader, Gladsaxe Municipality

14.55-15.15 The Marketing Act and chemicals – What is legal?

• Christian Poll, Chief Consultant at the Consumer Ombudsman

15.15-15.25 PFAS in construction – Presentation of the political recommendations

• Lone Hjorth Mikkelsen, senior advisor at the Green Transition Denmark

15.25-16.25 Debate with experts and political rapporteurs

• Karin Liltorp, Member of Parliament for the Alternative and PhD in Chemistry
• Morten Melchiors, Group Chairman for the Conservatives and member of the Technical and Environmental Committee in the Municipality of Copenhagen
• Martha Lewis, Head of materials, Henning Larsen
• Xenia Trier, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen and the PFAS Center
• Jan René Rasmussen, team leader, Gladsaxe Municipality
• Lone Hjorth Mikkelsen, Senior Advisor at the Green Transition Denmark

16.25-16.30 Wrap-up and thanks for today

16.30-17.00 Networking with refreshments

The area is complex. According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, there are currently around 12.000 PFAS compounds, and only a very few of these are banned. At the same time, it is difficult to find information about whether a building material contains PFAS – this applies to both new and old building materials. This lack of knowledge about the ingredients in the materials can create a risk of environmentally and health-damaging construction, and it can also slow down reuse and recycling within the industry if guidelines are not made for how it can be handled in the best possible way.

At this conference we will focus on PFAS in construction and look at barriers and solutions for healthier construction. We invite experts and industry professionals to share their knowledge followed by debate with politicians.

The conference is organized by;

Danish Technological Institute, WSP Danmark A/S, Henning Larsen Architects, Søren Jensen Consulting Engineering Company A/S and the Green Transition Denmark.

It is funded by the Homeowners' Investment Fund and Realdania, and is part of the project 'PFAS in new and existing building materials'.

Photo: Henning Larsen / Ramboll Adobe stock license for #78118528