Annual Report 2022

Man and woman looking on a tablet

In an ever-evolving world, 2022 was another year of many challenges for the NBN. Despite these challenges, the NBN continued to invest in its future to further enhance the service it offers its clients and other stakeholders.

2022 stood out as a remarkable year with the signing of the agreement with the BEC. Electrotechnical and electronics standards can now be purchased through the NBN platform, meaning that, going forward, there is one single place to go for all standards. We also continued to work behind the scenes on our digital transformation, which our customers will get to enjoy in 2023. Another noticeable change is the NBN's new branding, which will help us communicate better and even more clearly with everyone who is involved in standards and standardisation, whether up close or from a distance.

So, an exciting and eventful year for NBN. In this annual report, we take you into the world of standardisation and give an update on our initiatives and activities during the year. At the same time, we also take a look at our achievements for 2022 – achievements that will make organisations stronger, smarter and more competitive.

Johan Haelterman Chairman of the Executive Committee at NBN & Member of the ISO Council
Johan Haelterman
Chair of the Executive Committee
Dominique Du Tré Director of Services at Agoria
Dominique Du Tré
Chair of the Board of Directors

2022 in figures

As an organisation or government body, do you want to work more efficiently or be more competitive? Then standards are an essential tool. Every year, we see the use of standards increasing.
160,172
standards consulted
by commercial users
244,397
connections
to our standards collection by students, academics and teachers
3,286
‍customers
who contacted NBN
2,862
Belgian experts
commit to developing new standards
292,374
unique visitors to our website
15,661 subscribers to the NBN newsletter
974
Belgian standards (NBN)
2021 + 6
26,549
European standards (EN)
2021 + 1,358
24,533
International standards (ISO)
2021 + 1,407
3
translations of standards into Dutch

NBN and BEC join forces

The NBN and the BEC signed an agreement whereby all Belgian, European and international standards are offered in one place. From 9 January 2023, the NBN will sell all electrotechnical and electronics standards.
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ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 27001 certification 

Standards are also a crucial cornerstone for our own operations. The NBN is certified for ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 27001 (information security). In this way, we continue to work on the smooth delivery of our services and ensure that our information systems are properly secured.

The continuous attention to improvement at the NBN has led to an increased focus on cybersecurity, better alignment with customer needs, and a more 'agile' way of creating value.

ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 training courses recognised as annual refresher courses

Our training courses on ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (health and safety at work) are recognised as annual refresher courses by the Flemish government and the Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue. So from now on, environmental coordinators and prevention advisors can choose from these courses for their annual refresher training.

Updated IT platform

The development of a new IT platform continued, with the publication of standards being extensively automated. This also paves the way for a revamped website and customer portal to be launched in spring 2023.

New corporate identity

In 2022, we developed a new corporate identity for the NBN's communications. Starting in 2023, NBN communications and the service platform will be brought into this new corporate identity.

News summary
2022

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NBN ISO/IEC 27013 unites information security and excellent service

03/02/2022
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NBN insights & news
Quick updates on standards
New & translated standards
Decorative

Management standards on the rise

29/03/2022
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NBN insights & news
Getting started with standards
Decorative

Working towards better energy management, step by step

12/05/2022
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NBN insights & news
Getting started with standards
Decorative

Belgian standard NBN E 23-402 internationally recognised

09/06/2022
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NBN insights & news
Quick updates on standards

On the road to 'Net Zero' with IWA 42

17/11/2022
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NBN insights & news
Getting started with standards

Safely facing the future with the new ISO/IEC 27001

22/11/2022
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New & translated standards
Quick updates on standards
Trending

Trusted
knowledge

NBN is the reference for reliable knowledge. We stand for solid service and offer companies and other stakeholders best practices that answer recognizable problems. Create. Use. Learn. Share.
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Create

Standards development from A to Z

NBN is the platform for standards development in Belgium. Experts from industry, but also governments, academics and civil society, actively collaborate on new standards in your sector. Together with sector operators, the NBN ensures a smooth transfer of knowledge.

SDGs

A growing number of organisations are discovering that sustainable policies and profitable growth do, in fact, go hand in hand. To shape their sustainability policies, organisations are increasingly drawing on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a member of the ISO network, the NBN contributes to the achievement of these SDGs. More information on the 17 SDGs can be found on this page.

Do you want to translate the SDGs into concrete action plans? Then ISO standards are a useful tool.
Graph of number of ISO standards contributing to sustainable development goals

The number of ISO standards contributing to SDGs

No poverty
Zero hunger
Good health and well-being
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable cities and communities
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Partnership for the goals

Our standards collection

In addition to 1,358 European standards and 1,407 international standards, we published the following Belgian standards in 2022:

NBN B 15-001:2022
Concrete - Specification, properties, manufacture and conformity - National supplement to NBN EN 206:2013+A2:2021
NBN B 15-105:2022
Concrete - Methodology for evaluating and attesting the fitness for use of inert raw materials intended for concrete
NBN B 14-210:2022
Tests on exterior and interior plasters - Bond strength by tensile test (in-situ)
NBN S 01-400-1:2022
Acoustic criteria for residential buildings
NBN B 21-606:2019+A1:2022
Precast concrete products - Wide slabs - National application standard to NBN EN 13747+A2:2010 and to NBN EN 15050+A1:2012
NBN EN 1997-1 ANB:2022
Eurocode 7: Geotechnical design - Part 1: General rules - National annex

Standards committees launched in 2022

Brain-computer interfaces
Menstrual products
Underwater welding
Regulated chemicals in products
Hydrometry
Marine technology
Secondary ion mass spectrometry
Guidelines for the promotion and implementation of gender equality
Aerospace
Autonomous flying

Experts from diverse backgrounds

2,862 Belgian experts in 654 Belgian standards committees ...

Donut diagram of the distribution of the background of Belgian experts in standards committees
Large enterprises (≥ 50 employees): 41.61%
SMEs (
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50 employees): 29.44%
Governments: 14.52%
Academics: 9.59%
Employee organisations: 2.57%
Consumer organisations: 1.99%
Environmental organisations: 0.28%

... active in standards projects across 14 sectors

Electrical engineering
669
Transport
664
Mechanics
530
Construction
489
Safety and health
425
Facilities and energy
369
Digital society
342
Chemistry
223
Household appliances and HVAC
205
Consumer services
163
Nutrition and agriculture
117
Mining
111
Services
58
Defence and security
52
Source: CEN Annual report 2022

Use

Access to standards

Through myNBN and the NBN e-shop, NBN customers can easily access knowledge documents.

NBN e-shop

In the NBN e-shop, you can easily carry out a detailed search of our extensive collection of standards and then purchase standards directly. These can be downloaded immediately.

myNBN – your personalised and centralised standards collection

With myNBN, you can manage your standards collection online. Thanks to this handy platform, you can easily and quickly consult the latest and revised versions of NBN standards in various languages. myNBN lets you create a centralised standards collection tailored to your organisation. You can also download and print your standards at the click of a button, and much more.
'Everything is on one platform, which I think is an incredible asset. Moreover, any employee can access it at any time and from any location. I really enjoy working with NBN and its user-friendly platform. NBN hasn't missed the digital train and I'm happy about that.'
NBN - Alain Dragon Engineer in oil & energy industry
Alain Dragon
Engineering Studies Manager

What users think about the NBN platform

Learn

Access to standards

The NBN offers e-learning and Master Track training courses for quality management (ISO 9001), occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) and environmental management (ISO 14001). In addition, it also offers training for quality management for laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025).

e-learning

The NBN offers e-learning and Master Track training courses for quality management (ISO 9001), occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) and environmental management (ISO 14001). In addition, it also offers training for quality management for laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025).
  • You don't need any prior knowledge.
  • You are engaged in an interactive way.
  • You learn when and where you want.
  • You receive the Certified Associate diploma.

Master Track courses

Courses that combines online, classroom and individual classes.
  • All participants start with the same prior knowledge.
  • You learn to interpret the requirements of a standard and use it within your own professional context. In addition, you are introduced to a number of management techniques you can apply immediately.
  • You take your first steps into the world of auditing. For example, you learn to format audit reports.
  • You receive the Certified Master diploma if you pass the exam and final test.
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"Is well put together: nice structure, different learning methods ánd motivating. In short: fantastic!"
Since 2022, our ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 courses have been recognised by the Flemish government and the Federal Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue as annual in-service training for environmental coordinators and prevention advisors.

Expert training: 'Getting started as an NBN expert'

To support all Belgian experts in standards development, the NBN also offered an adapted training in 2022. These experts learned about the main differences between Belgian, European and international standards, who develops the standards, how this is done, and more. Even experienced experts benefited and discovered new perspectives.
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162
participants

Webinars: 'Standardisation, the basics' 

For those who want to participate in standards development, the NBN organises bi-monthly webinars. In these sessions, you discover what standards development is, how it works, and why it is important. You can also ask questions to experts who are involved in standards development.

Universities and colleges

The EDU portal

The EDU portal offers students an introduction to standards. They are, after all, the future users of standards. Through the portal, students can access more than 42,000 standards in reading mode. In addition, in 2022, we worked on a broader service offering for universities, including a business game and a management systems e-learning course for students.

Share

A stimulating environment for knowledge sharing

Bringing professionals together to exchange knowledge and experiences is one of the NBN's strengths. In 2022, the NBN was present at the following events:

ACUMEN 2022

20/10/2022

Technical regulations and standardisation, innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and more. In 2022, Agoria's largest knowledge, inspiration and networking event, ACUMEN, was all about the latest business evolutions. This four-day hybrid event offered no fewer than 67 sessions. As one of the main sponsors of this event, we gave several presentations and participated in the final debate.
NBN as an exhibitor at pop-up curiosity

Pop-up Curiosity

12/05/2022

The NBN was present as an exhibitor at Pop-up Curiosity, Wallonia's largest B2B event. We introduced the NBN to the Belgian economic actors present and explained the strategic importance of standards for companies. Moreover, we highlighted the benefits of participating in the standardisation process.
Standards experts at NBN thank you event

Thank You Event

24/11/2022

For the 6th time, the NBN organised its Thank You Event. 230 NBN experts and stakeholders attended the event at Bozar in Brussels. During this festive evening, we put four Belgian experts and an NBN partner in the spotlight. They received an award for their efforts in the development and promotion of standards.

Fireforum Congress 2022 "Scientific Research" & "Applied Fire Safety"

25/10/2022

Fireforum asbl organized the 7th edition of the Fireforum Congress in 2022 in collaboration with its partners, including NBN. This edition of the Fireforum Congress took place at Maison de la Poste, located on the Tour & Taxis site. In the 'Scientific Research' sessions, the speakers presented their vision of the future. What developments can we expect? What new insights will influence our view of fire safety?

Circular Economy Week

10/06/2022

The NBN participated in Circular Economy Week, an event organised by the Circular Wallonia division of the Walloon Public Service. NBN gave a webinar for companies on the crucial role of standards in the transition to a circular economy.

G7 conference on standardisation

07/09/2022

The NBN was one of the participants in the G7 conference on standardisation as a tool in the fight against global warming and the global energy and digital transition. NBN joined representatives from the standardisation community, including ISO and other ISO national members. Our goal? To reinforce the crucial role standards play in addressing the current challenges of digitalisation and energy.

Belgian Biodiversity Alliance - 28/10/2022

28/10/2022

The NBN was present at the official launch of the Belgian Biodiversity Alliance. This is a network of Belgian actors joining forces to protect and restore biodiversity in our country. As a member of ISO, the NBN effectively contributes to the development of international standards. Once published, these are a useful tool that can help every organisation take biodiversity into account in the course of their commercial or industrial activities.

EFSD meeting in June in Vienna

10/06/2022

The NBN participated as a co-organiser in the 65th European Forum for Standards Distribution (EFSD) in Vienna. Some 50 participants from various standards organisations attended the meeting in person or online. The purpose of the event? To share best practices and network with the various members present.

ReNormAction! - Renovating in times of changing regulations

10/11/2022

This year's annual IBE-BIV seminar was held on 10 November 2022 at the Flemish government's Herman Teirlinck building. As sponsor, the NBN gave a presentation on the benefits of standards and standards development.
NBN - Plenary Meeting ISO/TC 206 Fine Ceramics

Plenary Meeting ISO/TC 206 Fine Ceramics

07-08/12/2022

At the Plenary Meeting of ISO/TC 206 'Fine Ceramics', organised by the NBN, together with BCRC, we welcomed more than 35 experts from Korea, Japan and Germany, among others.

SDG Forum Belgium 2022

04/10/2022

Together with hundreds of participants, we reflected on one question at the SDG Forum Belgium 2022: what tools do Belgian organisations need to be able to achieve the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the most effective way? One thing is certain: there is an increasing need for coordinated action. Existing standards and standards under development are the ideal starting point for this.
NBN present at ISO Annual Meeting ( in Abu Dhabi)

ISO Annual Meeting in Abu Dhabi

19-23/09/2022

The NBN team participated both physically and online in the ISO Annual Meeting in Abu Dhabi. There were information sessions on 'net zero', 'innovation for transformative climate solutions', and many more current topics. There were also opportunities for networking. This year, the sessions were organised in hybrid mode for the first time, which gave experts the opportunity to also participate online. With as many as 5,000 attendees, this edition broke all participation records.
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NBN thanks its stakeholders and customers!

Annexes

Purpose and mission

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Board of Directors

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Sector operators

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High council for standardisation

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Balance sheet and income statement

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Prenormative research and standards antennae

Download pdf

Contractual agreement with Ministry of the Economy

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NBN and SMEs

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