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ABOUT US

Established on 11th January 2006, Itecons - Institute for Research and Technological Development in Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, is a non-profit organization classified as an institution of public utility that acts as a dynamic interface of knowledge between the scientific community and industry, providing applied research, testing, consultancy and training in the fields of construction, energy, environment and sustainability.

Mission

Ensure an active relationship of close cooperation between the University of Coimbra, the community and agents in the Construction, Energy and Environment sectors.

Vision

  • To reinforce its position as a noteworthy test laboratory in the areas Acoustics and Vibrations Adhesives and sealants; Aggregates and inerts; Water; Masonry; Asphalt, bitumen, tar and bituminous materials; Concrete, cement and mortar; Metrological and functional characteristics Fuels, oils and lubricants; Construction; Burning appliances; Liquid Effluents; Electrical tests; Fertilizers and plant protection products; Engineering materials, machinery, structures and products; Metals and Metallic Alloys; Plastics, Rubbers and derivates; Fire testing; Coatings; Natural rocks and stones (and other geological materials); Soils; Paints, Varnishes and Pigments; and Glass and Ceramics, by providing technological support to companies linked to the Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability sectors, as well as to private individuals and public entities, through the carrying out of tests, studies and specialized consultancy services; 
  • To promote the development of new skills for supporting business innovation in step with Sustainable Construction, with Productive Efficiency; with Risk Prevention, Assessment and Mitigation, as well as with the Digitization of the economy; 
  • To reinforce its position and significance as R&TD institution in the field of Construction Sciences, Energy, Environment and Sustainability, at an international level; 
  • To be a leading training entity that contributes to the development and refreshing of professionals from both public entities and private institutions linked to the sectors of Construction, Energy, Environment and Sustainability; 
  • To be, at an international level, a relevant entity in the organization of technical and scientific events; 
  • To be a notable entity in the technical evaluation of construction products, at a European level, through actively contributing to the affixing of the CE marking in construction products in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Fundamental objectives
  • Engage in the transfer of technology, knowledge and know-how between University, industry and community;
  • Provide businesses and industry with high quality services of testing and consulting;
  • Promote applied research in key innovative areas for industry, for the community as a whole and the University;
  • Carry out professional training sessions and courses aimed at updating and improving company skills and performance;
  • Organize seminars, conferences, technical expositions and workshops at national and international level.
Values
  • Integrity and ethics;
  • Independency and aptitude;
  • Technical and scientific competence;
  • Preservation of the planet;
  • Social responsibility;
  • Support to the Community;
  • Teamwork.

2006

CHARTER

Itecons was created from the group of Constructions of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Coimbra, in the form of a non-profit association, initiating its activity

2008

Headquarters inauguration

The new headquarters was inaugurated, with its own test laboratories

ACREDITATION BY IPAC

ITeCons was accredited for several tests in the areas of acoustics, masonry, concrete, steel and insulation.

CERTIFICATION (NP EN ISO 9001)

Certification of the quality management system by APCER.

2009

Sustainable Habitat Cluster

As the driving force for this Project, Itecons has promoted synergies between companies and entities of the SCT

Notified Body

Itecons was recognised by IPQ as a Notified Body - Testing Laboratory - under the CE marking, Directive 89/106 / EEC for various materials.

2011

QUALIFIED FOR R&DT

Recognition as a qualified entity to provide R&DT services to SMEs in the scope of R&DT and Innovation projects (Vales)

2012

Facilities Expansion

Construction of the new building that houses the new Sustainable Construction and Energy Clusters. This project represented an investment of about € 7.7M.

2013

Extension of accreditation

ITeCons became accredited for a total of 217 tests.

Notified Body

Itecons was recognised as Notified Body (System 3) under Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of 9 March, which repealed the Construction Products Directive.

2014

Technical Assessment Body

Itecons was designated as a Technical Assessment Body (TAB) in the scope of the Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of 9th March.

International Association for Housing Science (IAHS)

Reinforcement of Itecons’ intervention as an active member of IAHS.

2015

Accredited Body for the Vales Program

Itecons was recognised as an accredited body for the execution of different projects for SMEs included in the Vales Program.

Cluster of Energy for Sustainability

Creation of new areas of specialisation related to Energy and Environmental within the scope of the System of Support to Science and Technology Parks and Technologically Based Incubators as part of the Mais Centro program.

2016

EXTENSION OF ACCREDITATION

Itecons became accredited for more than 230 tests.

2018

Recognition as a CIT

Itecons, as an institution with technical capacity and multidisciplinary human resources, is recognised for its experience in applied research and the transfer of scientific and technological knowledge to the business world.

2019

EXTENSION OF ACCREDITATION

Itecons became accredited for a total of nearly 300 tests.

2021

PUBLIC UTILITY RECOGNITION

For the activities developed in several scientific and technological areas, Itecons was recognized to be an institution of public utility.