Raising efficiency

Denmark has shown remarkable results in former experiences of energy savings, by raising efficiency in energy consuming household goods ,and in insulation of dwellings. The standardisation and enactment of energy saving measures is well established, and will be tightened in the years to come in order to reduce CO2 and energy waste from the many dwellings of the past.

Energy savings mandatory

In Denmark the energy crisis in the 1970´s led to experiments in high-tech, and low-energy buildings, the development of thicker insulation, tighter standards for insulation, and new building styles which took into consideration energy consumption. In the 1980s many of these transitions were institutionalized in new statutory ordered building rules, making energy savings mandatory for new constructions. At the same time new energy-saving products for use in houses and construction were developed, such as energy windows, compact fluorescent lamps, etc.

Eco-buildings were launched

In the 1990´s a new green research and experimental culture was initiated: a development of projects that supported so-called eco-buildings were launched, enhancing green management as: tools to assess buildings and building materials through life cycle analysis, environmental review, environmental labeling, energy measurements etc. The development initiatives did not however have any market impact. However during the construction boom in 2002-2007, municipal Local Agenda 21 and urban planning have been leading the niche construction markets in eco-friendly and low energy dwellings. This has been done in close cooperation with the private construction business sector. It appeared that many of the engineering and urban ecological solutions developed in the 1980s and 1990s could be performed economically, with good comfort and architectural values. New constructions achieved both a vast improvement of indoor air quality and savings in energy and water bills. Since 2005 there has been a growing positive attitude towards low energy and ecological dwellings. We are witnessing new energy saving villages, climate-municipalities and new governmental subvention schemes for how energy renovating of the old houses should be managed.

Sustainable dwelling tours

We offer tours looking closer at the political strategies and means, market developments, and social construction movements behind the current development of eco-friendly and low energy housing. Field trips to sustainable construction sites are also available.

Programme example:

Day 1: National Strategy and policy

Morning:

Presentation of the Danish government strategy and intentions concerning low and zero energy constructions and renovations. Meeting with Finn Lauritzen, Director of Danish Enterprise and Constructor Authority about rules and regulation for energysaving constructions. Meeting with Søren Dyck Madsen, Ecological Council, and representatives from Elsparefonden on campaigns and services for lowering energy consumption in households. At Munksøgaard eco-community, Roskilde.

Afternoon:

Presentation of strategies, experiences and challenges for sustainable construction development in Denmark. Meeting with representatives from construction companies, researchers and architects: JDL-construction, Cenergia Energy Consultants and Trelleborg Huse. At Roskilde University.

Day 2: Green Housing Areas

Morning:	Meeting with representatives from Green Housing in Køge. A knowledge center on green housing, energy savings and renewable energy integration. Study visit to Herfølge, a suburban village area of private low- and zero energy houses supported by Green Housing.
Afternoon:	Study visit to Koyoto – a community with 24 pre-fabricated dwellings, geothermal heating and solar cell power generation. Introduction to the commmunity background, technical profile, demonstration and talks about sustainable living.

Day 3: Municipal strategy

Morning:	Introduction to Egedal Municipal strategy on low energy and chemicals in housing. Themes: Agenda 21 strategies, dialogue and negotiations with constructors, certification procedures, juridical property claims, and consumer preferences.
Afternoon:	Visits to Stenløse Syd suburban area. Where a construction of up to 800 low energy dwellings consisting of single, private houses, apartments for rent, row houses, zero energy retail shop, low energy kindergarten etc are taking place at the moment. Visit and talk with the inhabitants.

Day 4: Construction of Passive and zero housing

Morning:	Visit to companies who produce construction materials, manufacture readymade modules for storey houses, and manufacture readymade single-family homes. All are engaged in fulfilling tomorrow’s new energy construction demands and have experiences in eco-innovation: Velux (windows), RGB (diode lamps), Lind & Risør and or Trelleborg Huse.
Afternoon:	Visit to houses that use sustainable energy for heating and electricity: Koyoto community, Hesselbjerggaard organic farm, and Munksøgård community.

Day 5: Self builders and eco dwellings

Morning:	Visit the eco-village Hallinge Lille or Fri & Fro, residential areas in an open green landscape, with single family homes, elderly community building, kindergarden etc., built and financed by house owners. High variation in building style, nature orientation and eco-friendly building materials, root zone waste water treatment, low energy consumption, mass stoves, etc.
Afternoon:	Visit the construction company Egen Vinding, a pioneering company in the alternative construction sector. They design open constructions in natural materials, produce solid wood doors and windows, unfired bricks, and chemical-free paints. They have also been involved in the regions development of flax based insulation mats.