Brian Hargreaves looks back at the idea that brought European ventilation hygiene professionals together 30 years ago—and the determination and friendship that kept EVHA moving forward.

Thirty years ago, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) was still a relatively unknown topic. Awareness was limited, technology was very different, and approaches to ventilation hygiene varied considerably between countries.

But a small group of professionals believed that Indoor Air Quality deserved much greater attention—and that Europe needed a common approach.

That belief became EVHA.

A shared idea across borders

For Brian Hargreaves, one of the founders of EVHA, the original motivation was clear:

“From my point of view, it was to unify the way we viewed and dealt with IAQ, not only in our own countries but across Europe and the world.”

For Brian, Indoor Air Quality was never something that should be treated as an optional addition to building services.

“IAQ is not a bolt-on for any business, but an absolute necessity in providing safe environments to work, live and play.”

The original group brought together professionals from different parts of Europe: a Spaniard, a Swede, an Englishman and two Danes – Ken Jenson and Torbun Muller.

Over time, Ken went his own way and Torbun left the industry, leaving Brian Hargreaves, Oscar Rodriguez and Roger Malmström to continue developing EVHA – the trio Brian affectionately calls the “Indoor Air Musketeers.”

Each brought a different perspective and strength to the association.

Oscar travelled the world promoting the importance of Indoor Air Quality and the vision of EVHA. Roger brought experience from Sweden and its established approach to ventilation hygiene – a model Brian still considers one of the best of its kind.

And Brian?

“Then me – the driver, the person that refused to let it go when times were bad and we were on our knees.”

From small seeds to 30 years of EVHA

The journey was not always easy.

Building an international association meant difficult periods, disagreements and challenges along the way. But the commitment to the original idea – and the relationships between the people behind it – endured.

Looking back at what makes him most proud today, Brian says:

“Despite all the problems and issues in the early days, we stayed with it and have seen EVHA grow from those very small seeds that were sown all those years ago.”

And behind the development of the association is also a story of friendship and mutual respect.

“I have so many stories of strength, fallouts and disagreements, but above all, the respect for each other remained – and that is why we are still so very close all these years on.”

That spirit is perhaps best captured by the principle Brian says has accompanied them throughout the journey:

“We have always been one for all and all for one.”

The idea remains

The industry today looks very different from the one Brian, Oscar, Roger and their colleagues knew 30 years ago.

Awareness of Indoor Air Quality has grown significantly, technology continues to develop rapidly, and ventilation hygiene has become an increasingly important part of creating healthy and safe indoor environments.

EVHA has evolved too.

From those “very small seeds”, it has grown into an international association connecting professionals across Europe through knowledge, training, standards and cooperation.

For Brian, seeing that work continue through a new generation of people involved in EVHA is also a source of personal pride:

“On a personal note, I am so proud of all of you who, like we did, give so much of your time to this wonderful association, and I am so happy to see its progress.”

Thirty years later, the people may have changed and the industry may have evolved, but the idea at the heart of EVHA remains remarkably similar:

bringing professionals together, learning from each other and working collectively to move ventilation hygiene forward.

Thank you!

The Next 30 Years Start with Us

EVHA started with a small group of professionals who believed the industry could be stronger together. Thirty years later, that idea matters more than ever.

If you believe in quality, knowledge and professional cooperation, be part of what comes next.

Join EVHA and help us build a stronger European ventilation hygiene community - Become a member.