In Denmark the construction industry accounts for 40% of society’s energy consumption, 35% of material consumption, 30% of waste production and 8% of the gross domestic product.
Construction is one of the biggest drivers in society’s management of resources. Architecture and planning aim to generate as much value as possible for the resources invested in the building to ensure that buildings and cities can create better quality of life, health, learning and productivity.
Resource consumption can be reduced significantly: New Danish buildings are among the most energy-efficient in the world, but there are still challenges with regard to reducing the energy consumption of existing buildings. If we take the opportunity to improve energy efficiency when making alterations, it is possible to create new attractive spaces and a better, healthier indoor climate. Seen from a lifecycle perspective, material consumption accounts for 10-50% of the environmental impacts compared to energy consumption, depending on how energy-efficient the building is. This can be reduced significantly by including recycling and circular economy in the considerations.
Below, you can see various examples of Danish architecture that reduces resource consumption in buildings.
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08.09.20 #Case
Trigeparken
Trigeparken, which is from 1980-1981, was so rundown in every way before the renovation.

08.09.20 #Case
Løget By
A radical urban renewal of Løget By has resulted in strong social housing efforts.

14.10.19 #Case
Upcycle Studios
The success of Upcycle Studios spearheads the industry towards sustainability.

07.03.18 #Case
Toftebo Housing
Energy renovation shows the way: How to secure our existing housing stock in the future.

10.01.17 #Case
Green Solution House
Experimentarium for green ideas bridges Danish tourism and industry.

16.11.16 #Case
Ramboll Head Office
Climate adaptation and innovative architecture strengthen Ramboll's brand, as a visionary company.

31.10.16 #Case
Hauser Plads
New thinking of features and landscape creates an attractive underground work environment at Hauser Plads.

25.10.16 #Case
Danmarkshusene
A new generation of public housing that is cheap, sustainable and attractive.

21.09.16 #Case
Green Lighthouse
Green Lighthouse has become a showcase for the future of sustainable public construction.

21.09.16 #Case
The Sunhouse
At the Sunhouse, children are taught how to live in synergy with nature and the environment.

21.09.16 #Case
KMC Nordhavn
KMC Nordhavn is the first DGNB-certified office and commercial building in Denmark.

21.09.16 #Case
Nordkraft
Nordkraft has become a focal point for sports culture and business in Aalborg.

18.09.16 #Case
Herning Library
A popular meeting place for Herning's citizens with up to 50,000 visitors a month.

18.09.16 #Case
University of Southern Denmark – Campus Kolding
A campus that uses 20-25 % less energy than similar buildings.

18.09.16 #Case
Ryesgade 30 A-C
Sustainable urban densification and energy efficiency of property at Ryesgade 30 A-C in Copenhagen.

18.09.16 #Case
Copenhagen Towers - interior
Copenhagen Towers interior takes upcycling and sustainable materials to a whole new level.

18.09.16 #Case
Marthagården
Where environment and sustainability are at stake, in both everyday activities and architecture.

18.09.16 #Case
Upcycle House
New single-family house reduces climate impact by 86 %. The buzzword is UPCYCLING.

18.09.16 #Case
Brick House
'Brick House' has a minimum life of 150 years and a maintenance-free facade for a minimum of 50 years.