Roger Malmström reflects on how Sweden's pioneering approach to ventilation hygiene helped shape the future of the industry—and eventually inspired the creation of EVHA.

Thirty years of EVHA cannot be told without looking even further back.

Long before EVHA was founded, Sweden was already asking questions that many other countries had not yet begun to consider.

Why were people getting sick in modern buildings?
Why were allergies increasing among children?
And what role did ventilation systems play?

Two public investigations launched in Sweden at the end of the 1980s pointed to one common conclusion: poorly maintained ventilation systems were one of the key contributing factors.

The result was groundbreaking.

In 1991, Sweden became the first country in the world to introduce mandatory ventilation inspections.

For Roger Malmström, this changed everything.

"We are not part of the cleaning business – we are dealing with health issues. We give building owners better possibilities to increase the quality of the indoor environment. And with healthy buildings come healthy, happy people."

From Cleaning to Indoor Health

Inspired by the new legislation, Roger founded his own ventilation hygiene company—even though, as he openly admits, he initially knew very little about ventilation systems.

That curiosity soon became a passion.

Working alongside experienced chimney sweepers, researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm and other industry pioneers, Roger gradually developed both his technical knowledge and a broader understanding of how ventilation systems influence people's health and the performance of buildings.

The Birth of European Ventilation Hygiene Association

Roger's first NADCA conference in Memphis in 1992 introduced him to professionals from around the world. Over the following years, a small group of Europeans—including Brian Hargreaves, Oscar Rodriguez and Ken and Torben from Denmark—began exchanging ideas about the future of the industry.

They shared one common belief:

Europe needed its own organisation.

An organisation that would promote professionalism, support education, encourage cooperation and help countries develop better practices.

During a meeting in Orlando, that vision became reality.

EVHA was born.

Building an Association

The early years were anything but easy.

There were constant challenges—finding funding, attracting members, defining the association's purpose and simply keeping it alive.

Looking back, Roger smiles at those years.

"Why did we do it? We had a strong dedication and a solid conviction—and we were crazy. And the best of all—we had fun."

He also remembers the friendships that developed along the way:

"Thank you Brian for the outstanding pub visits, thank you Oscar for the late excellent dinners, thank you Kimmo for the perfect smoke sauna..."

Behind today's professional association were simply people who believed in an idea—and enjoyed building it together.

Looking Beyond Duct Cleaning

Roger believes the industry's greatest lesson over the past 35 years has been learning to see buildings as complete systems rather than isolated components.

Ventilation hygiene is not only about cleaning ducts.

It is about understanding how ventilation interacts with energy, fire safety, controls, maintenance and, ultimately, the wellbeing of the people inside the building.

The more professionals understand those relationships, the better they can advise building owners and create healthier indoor environments.

A Message for the Next Generation

Roger ends his reflections with simple advice that perhaps captures the spirit of EVHA better than anything else:

"Follow your instinct, discuss with colleagues and members – be brave and a little bit crazy. Have fun!"

Thirty years after EVHA was founded, that pioneering spirit continues to inspire the association and the professionals who are shaping the future of ventilation hygiene across Europe.

Be Part of the Next Chapter

The challenges facing our industry continue to evolve—but so do the opportunities.

Join EVHA and become part of a European community that shares knowledge, develops professional standards and works together to create healthier buildings for everyone - Become a member.

All pictures below are taken before EVHA was born:

• First visit to a NADCA annual meeting and Exhibition 1992 in Nashville, Tennessee, Hotel Opryland.

• Meeting in Saint-Tropez with a french NADCA member 1994.

• NADCA annual meeting and Exhibition 1995

• Meeting in Amsterdam 1996 - together with the fourth founder of EVHA, Ken Jensen.