Stricter CO2 emissions requirements for new buildings in Denmark: a step towards sustainable construction

In a significant move towards sustainable construction, the Danish government and various political parties have agreed on tightening CO2 emissions requirements for new buildings. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. Here's everything you need to know about these new regulations and their impact on the future of building in Denmark.

1. Stricter CO2e limit values by 2025

Starting in 2025, the CO2e limit for new buildings will be set at 7.1 kg CO2e/m²/year. This limit will become progressively stricter in the following years, with further reductions planned for 2027 and 2029. These measures are designed to accelerate the green transition within the construction industry.

2. Differentiation by building type

The new CO2e limit values will vary based on the type of building. This differentiation ensures that all types of residential and commercial buildings can effectively reduce their emissions. The government aims to motivate comprehensive emission reductions across the board by tailoring the limits to specific building categories.

3. Expanded coverage to include more structures

The scope of the new CO2e regulations will expand to cover a broader range of constructions. This includes holiday homes, unheated buildings over 50 m², and even tiny houses, subject to the same limit values as single-family houses. By broadening the coverage, the regulations ensure that all significant sources of construction emissions are addressed.

4. Exemptions for critical infrastructure

Certain critical infrastructure buildings, such as waterworks, prisons, military operational buildings, and hospitals, will be exempt from these new CO2e limits. However, these buildings will still be required to document their climate impact, ensuring transparency and accountability in their environmental footprint.

5. Inclusion of construction process emissions

New regulations now include emissions from the construction process, including material transportation and internal site processes. A separate CO2e limit of 1.5 kg CO2e/m²/year will be set for construction, ensuring overall emission reductions.

Acembee's Energy Saving Tool helps the construction industry meet these new standards. This data collection and automation solution cuts energy use by up to 40%, reducing CO2 emissions and operational expenses. It intelligently switches off machines and dims lights during non-operational hours, conserving power and cutting costs. Minimizing energy supply to unoccupied crew units and material containers significantly reduces energy wastage. The Energy Saving Tool ensures compliance with sustainability regulations, including LCA reporting, ESG reporting, and DGNB certification.

6. Revisions to building regulations

To accommodate these new CO2e requirements, a comprehensive revision of building regulations will be undertaken. This revision aims to ensure that the new standards can be practically implemented without compromising the safety, health, and affordability of buildings.

7. Encouraging building renovations

The agreement emphasizes the importance of renovating existing buildings over demolishing them. To support this, new rules will be developed to facilitate conversions and renovations, with more relaxed energy requirements for transformed structures. This approach preserves existing buildings and reduces the overall environmental impact.

8. Impact on social housing

While the tightening of CO2e requirements is expected to increase costs for new social housing projects, the agreement includes a provision to discuss potential adjustments to the maximum allowable costs for these projects. This ensures that social housing can continue to be developed within the new sustainability framework.

9. Phased implementation for smooth transition

The implementation of these new CO2e limits will be phased over time, with incremental tightening planned for 2025, 2027, and 2029. This phased approach allows the construction industry to adapt gradually, ensuring a smooth transition to more sustainable practices.

10. Supporting sustainable construction practices

The agreement also highlights ongoing initiatives to develop more accurate environmental data for building materials and promote sustainable construction practices. These efforts will support the industry's shift towards greener methods and materials.

Acembee's Energy Saving Tool is a proven solution for reducing CO2 emissions on construction sites. Designed for data monitoring and automation, it efficiently optimizes power usage. The tool controls lighting and heating, ensuring minimal energy consumption and reducing operational costs.

Denmark's new CO2 emissions requirements for buildings represent a significant step towards a sustainable future. By setting stricter limits, expanding coverage, and including construction process emissions, the country is leading the way in reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector. These measures, along with a focus on renovations and support for social housing, ensure that the transition to sustainable construction is both comprehensive and inclusive.