KMC Nordhavn

Updated 26.07.22 |
Of:
Signe Moeslund Mains

Photo credit: Adam Mørk

The environmental centre KMC Nordhavn, also called the ‘Camel’ is the first building in Denmark with a sustainability certification according to the Danish version of DGNB for office and commercial buildings. Christensen & Co Arkitekter has designed the building. 

“All types of sustainability have been incorporated into the project, including disposal, climate adaptation and expansion of the urban area. KMC Nordhavn is an innovative project that underpins the vision for Copenhagen of tomorrow.” Ayfer Baykal, Mayor of Technical and Environmental Affairs, City of Copenhagen 2013 

Energy Optimisation & Rainwater Management

The Camel is classified in energy class 1 and is also a zero-energy building, which means that the annual electricity needs for operating the building are covered by local electricity generation. This is due to an energy-efficient heating production for room heating and utility water that comes from e.g. solar panels for water heating and a heating pump connected to a geothermal heating system. The green roof that retains rainwater, absorbs CO2 and protects the roof membranes has terraces, 140 m2 of photovoltaic cells and 10 m2 of solar collectors, whose electricity production covers the annual energy needed to operate the building.  

Indoor Climate & Daylight

Daylight conditions are a central element of the ‘Camel’ design. Large, highly placed windows in the facade and skylights create a bright working environment with a minimum need for artificial lighting. The building also only has energy-saving furniture and fittings and indoor climate-friendly materials. The building layout is also flexible, so that when it is no longer used as a deposit for contaminated soil, it can be used for public and cultural purposes once the new Nordhavn neighbourhood is complete. 

Photo of KMC Nordhavn by CCO Architects. Photo credit: Adam Mørk.
Photo credit: Adam Mørk

About the case

Environmental centre KMC Nordhavn operates the deposit for contaminated soil in Nordhavn where a brand new Copenhagen neighbourhood will be established in the coming years. The building houses administration, staff facilities and workshops. With its zig-zag shape, the industrial corteen steel facades and the green roof, the building mirrors the scenic and maritime qualities of the area. The DGNB certification indicates that sustainability has been implemented in all financial, social, environmental, environmental, technical and process-related aspects. KMC Nordhavn therefore stands as a strong role model for sustainable urban development.

Read more about the case