Sustainable buildings
Advisory on energy renovation and LCA – from legal requirements to sustainable buildings in new construction and renovation.
Advisory services for public and private sectors
Buildings account for 36% of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions, and it requires significant effort to create a more sustainable building stock. Fortunately, work is underway to achieve this, both among private sector actors in the construction industry and from policymakers.
Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and energy efficiency improvements are two essential tools in this development, and we help both developers, advisors, and authorities understand and implement them.
This way, energy efficiency and reduced climate impact can be considered from the start, whether it's new construction or large-scale renovations.
Energy efficiency – how we do it
We start with a thorough review of relevant policies, the building’s characteristics, project requirements, sustainability strategies, and applicable legislation. For EU projects, this means ensuring full compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and other national and regional regulations.
We help define key elements such as system boundaries, performance goals, energy targets, sustainability strategies, and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) criteria that cover all stages of the building’s life cycle – from investment and operation to decommissioning.
Deliverables for energy efficiency advisory services
- We develop user-friendly guidelines and practical tools to make working with energy efficiency in both new construction and renovations easier.
- We assist in setting clear goals for energy consumption, renewable energy integration, and indoor climate requirements.
- We conduct energy simulations, audits, and LCC analyses to identify the solutions that provide the most value.
- We ensure that projects comply with energy classes, nZEB standards, and certifications like DGNB and LEED.
- We support the development of strategies for renovations to strike the right balance between environmental considerations and costs.
- We prepare reports with concrete guidance and actionable recommendations.
- We advise on how smart technologies and renewable energy solutions can be integrated into building and renovation projects.
What is?
Life cycle costs (LCC)?
Building directive (EPBD)?
Life cycle assessment – how we do it
We assist you in understanding and applying LCA in construction, ensuring that buildings comply with set limits for climate impact. Our work is based on EU requirements and European standards.
Life cycle assessments for authorities
We provide advisory services on how to define an LCA method for buildings and assist in preparing LCA guidelines.
We start by mapping existing knowledge and experience, both nationally and within the EU. Then, we analyze the need to adjust or introduce an LCA method that aligns with relevant standards such as EN 15978 and applicable EU directives.
We help define the method by:
- Establishing system boundaries
- Identifying which modules should be included
- Ensuring compliance with data type requirements according to legislation
Additionally, we can:
- Prepare guideline materials and share knowledge with the industry
- Advise on the creation of roadmaps to be submitted to the EU Commission by January 2027
- Help set limits for buildings’ climate impact, to take effect by 2030
We always conclude the collaboration with a report and guideline materials, ensuring clear communication and visually appealing presentations.
Life cycle assessments for private sector
Regulations and requirements regarding the climate impact and limits for buildings are complex, so we offer advice to those who need help understanding and applying LCA for buildings.
We can assist with:
- Understanding the legislation
- Developing and quality-checking calculations
- Ensuring compliance with set limits
- Advising on LCA calculations for Danish Building Regulation Requirements, EU Taxonomy, DGNB and LEED certification
- Helping with LCA in renovation projects to find the most sustainable solution
Circularity, taxonomy, DGNB, and much more
Sustainability in buildings is – of course – much more than LCA and energy efficiency, and we can also advise on a wide range of other areas.
- Circularity of buildings and building materials
- EU Taxonomy on Construction of New Buildings
- EU Taxonomy on Renovation of existing buildings
- DGNB, LEED and Swan Labeled new buildings (Svanemærket).
