KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Klima-, Energi- og Forsyningsudvalget 2019-20
KEF Alm.del Bilag 393
Offentligt

The construction industry

Recommendations to the

Danish Government from

the Climate Partnership of

the construction industry

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Contents

5 green building blocks ............................................................................... 3

Point of departure

–

where are we today? ..................................................... 4

The 2030 vision of the construction industry ..................................................... 6

What are the obstacles and what can be done? .................................................. 8

An introduction to the proposals from the working groups ......................................... 11

Actual proposals from the construction industry ................................................ 12

Contributions from the working groups ........................................................... 13

Energy renovations of existing buildings ............................................................. 14

reduction from operation of buildings ...................................................... 20

Design and the CO

content of materials in buildings ............................................... 26

reduction at the building site ................................................................ 32

reduction in the civil engineering sector ........................................................ 39

Participants in the five working groups ........................................................... 45

We stand together regarding climate targets through green growth

We, the 13 climate partnerships, have worked in-

tensely to resolve a both difficult and important task:

at one and the same time to develop actual proposals

to the Danish Government for which measures may con-

tribute to reaching the target to reduce Denmark’s CO

emission by 70% in 2030 and make Denmark a pioneer-

ing country to the rest of the world.

In relation to the task, our point of departure was that we

should make Denmark and the Danes richer and the world

more sustainable at the same time. If we are to reach the

target, it requires large-scale investments. Therefore, sus-

tainability and growth must go hand in hand. And therefore,

as a society we must be ready to prioritise investments in

the climate. The Danish business world is ready to take on

our share of the task in a close partnership with the Gov-

ernment and the Danish Parliament

–

and the rest of the so-

ciety.

Future economic growth is the basis for us being able to

afford solving the climate challenges in a way in which

we also have a good and well-functioning society. It re-

quires that we ensure Denmark’s

competitiveness and

create growth and new jobs while we convert climate

ambitions into action.

The climate challenge is global. We must reach our na-

tional targets without pushing activities abroad. We

must make an actual green transition of our society that

measurably reduces the emission of climate gases on a

global level

–

and it must be made through development

and not a shutdown. With our efforts as inspiration for ac-

tion, we are going to work internationally under the aus-

pices of the United Nations and the EU to ensure a reduc-

tion of the global emissions and to increase the develop-

ment of green Danish solutions that we can export to the

rest of the world.

In the 13 climate partnerships, we take joint action to con-

tribute to Denmark living up to the political goals.

We look forward to seeing that the proposals are passed

on to one concrete climate action plan which must com-

prise two clear targets. Contributing to solving the cli-

mate change in Denmark and globally while at the same

time ensuring a strong business sector, more Danish jobs

and a more affluent society.

For obvious reasons, the proposals from the 13 climate

partnerships have not been coordinated, and many pro-

posals are cross-sectorial and cross-industrial. The next

step will therefore be one climate plan. In this context,

it is vital that the total climate plan accounts for the

consequences of each individual initiative and that the

entire plan ensures that the green transition goes hand in

hand with continued growth and prosperity in Denmark.

We hope that all our proposals will be seen in the spirit

and context as we have described.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

5 green building blocks

When we look at all the activities influenced by

the construction industry, we look at a third of

Denmark’s CO

emissions.

From heat loss and operation of heating systems in

buildings

to builders’ cars, building site cranes and con-

crete production, we can do things much better. The in-

dustry is ready to deliver its share of the green transi-

tion in cooperation with the Government, the Danish

Parliament and the population so that together we can

realise the large CO

reductions that we are finding.

Eight out of ten of existing buildings will still be in use by

2050, and they represent 80% of the total assets of soci-

ety, so it is vital that we maintain and develop them into

a new climate future. The most important things are not

more money from the public purse, but a good frame-

work, requirements and demand. The solutions already

exist, so that we can build a greener Denmark. If we do

it right, and if we use the transition to increase exports

of materials and services, we will also become more af-

fluent.

Intelligent energy management and energy renovations

–

1.2 million tonnes of CO

/year.

The green transition will become faster and less expensive by reducing energy consumption in

the existing buildings and managing consumption intelligently. Thus, we are able to cut away

20-25% of the energy consumption in buildings by 2030. Implementation of energy efficiency

measures can reduce costs by billions, while at the same time provide better health and well-

being in accommodation, schools and nursing homes. As an industry, building owners and au-

thorities, we are going to pull together, and involve the financial sector.

From fossil fuels to green heating

–

1.8 million tonnes CO

/year.

The fossil fuels need to go so that Danish buildings are only heated by renewable energy.

That requires a general plan for replacing natural gas with climate-friendly alternatives at

400,000 buildings, and that RE-certified installers replace the last 100,000 oil boilers with

heat pumps. Finally, we must undertake renovation of the buildings to ensure the best

solution which saves money for electricity and heat to the homeowners.

accounts for buildings

–

1.1 million tonnes CO

/year.

accounts must be prepared for all buildings in the future. To enable this, we must know the CO

footprints of the materials so that we use the materials wiser and in the necessary quantities. To-

day, CO

accounts can be prepared, but only very few demand them. Therefore, CO

accounts must

be a demand in the voluntary sustainability standard and the building regulations, already from 2021.

There is similar potential as regards to civil engineering works such as roads, bridges and railways,

and therefore there must also be requirements for CO

accounts.

Fossil-free building sites

–

550,000 tonnes CO

/year

No more gas and diesel at building sites. We must use electrically powered forklift trucks

and cranes, and biofuels for the excavators. We want to replace diesel-powered genera-

tors and hot air generators for dehumidification of moist building materials with electric-

ity and district heating. With the right efforts, CO

emissions from building sites will be

entirely absent in a matter of 10 years. The Government can assist in securing access to

green energy and bio fuels, and that bio fuel is financially competitive.

Energy labelling for all buildings

Today, only one out of two buildings is energy-labelled. All buildings erected before 2000

should be energy labelled within five years. The label must include information about the cur-

rent state and possibilities of reduction of heating, electricity and water consumption and im-

provement of the indoor climate. It must be developed into a continually updated dialogue tool

between homeowners, energy advisers, builders and lenders. It is an important presumption to

have private homeowners start energy renovation.

If we have implemented the actual pro-

posals in this report by 2030, it would

have resulted in a total CO

reduction of

5,800,000

tonnes CO2 per year

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

The point of departure

–

where are we today?

Buildings, bridges and roads account for 30% of

Denmark’s CO

emissions. That stems from the

building energy consumption, the building process

in connection with new construction or renovation

and production of building materials. The players of

the construction industry all form part of these

phases and therefore have a key role in the green

transition.

The construction industry employs 180,000 employ-

ees, and to this figure should be added architects, ad-

visers and employees of the building industry. They all

contribute in different ways to constructing and main-

taining

Denmark’s buildings and the vital infrastruc-

ture.

10% of Denmark’s CO

emission stems from

the production of building materials and

the building processes.

It is of great importance how we use materials in new

construction and in renovation projects. Therefore,

accounts should be an integral part of the pro-

ject material in the future. Today, the industry’s

own

activities give rise to direct CO

emissions when con-

struction machinery and vehicles use fossil fuels. The

construction industry also plays an important role in

the circular economy because building waste consti-

tutes 4.5 million tonnes CO

a year, or well above

35% of all waste, of which 85%, however, is reused.

Therefore, industry actors also contribute in the cli-

mate partnerships for waste, water and circular

economy and for energy-intensive industries.

More than 20% of the CO

emissions de-

rive from heating and performance and

of the buildings stocks.

Danes spend nine out of ten hours inside buildings.

40% of Denmark’s energy consumption and 23% of

the

emission derive from energy consumption in

buildings. Our businesses can assist in the replace-

ment of fossil energy sources such as oil and natural

gas with energy renovation of the existing buildings

and improvement of the indoor climate. And by using

intelligent management of energy consumption we

can reduce energy waste and use the energy when it

is most green and inexpensive.

The construction industry helps other in-

dustries reduce CO

We have chosen to present solutions in all the areas

where the industry actors can make a difference to the

climate. When the buildings are energy-renovated, less

production of district heating and electricity is needed.

When smaller amounts of new materials are used in the

building process, it means reduced CO2 emissions from

producers of materials and transportation firms. And

when all fossil fuels for the construction sites are

phased out, then we are contributing to implementing

the necessary electrification of society.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

40%

Denmark’s energy con-

sumption is used in build-

ings

35%

of all waste stems from the

construction industry

20%

of Denmark’s CO

emissions

stems from the energy con-

sumption in our buildings

10%

of Denmark’s CO

emission

stems from the construction

process and the production

of building materials

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Photo: Fredericia Municipality

The 2030 vision of the con-

struction industry

In 2030 we will have significantly reduced the CO

emissions from buildings. In a matter of 10 years, 25%

of the energy consumption will have been cut in the

existing buildings in Denmark. The last oil burners will

have been scrapped and replaced by electric heat

pumps, and we will no longer use natural gas for heat-

ing. Buildings will only seldom be demolished

–

costs too much in terms of the CO

accounts. Instead

we will renovate, change the use and create up-to-

date green buildings. All of it will occur with fossil-free

construction processes.

In 2030, there will be focus on reducing the energy con-

sumption and the CO

footprint each time a building is

constructed or renovated. Denmark adheres to the EU’s

Energy Efficiency First principle in the green transition.

That has caused homeowners to realise that it is less ex-

pensive to save than just spending energy even if it is

green. Homeowners, the state, municipalities and busi-

nesses are updating energy-efficiency each time they

renovate. Installations have been optimised so that en-

ergy waste is reduced, and through flexible energy con-

sumption buildings form active parts of the energy sys-

tem.

This development has resulted in a better indoor cli-

mate for the benefit of health, well-being, learning

and productivity, and it has liberated 760,000 tonnes

of biomass a year to be used in large machinery,

heavy transportation and heavy-duty industry. And

perhaps more importantly, the energy savings have

saved society from over-investing in energy produc-

tion and many new high-voltage electricity masts.

A binding target for implementation of energy efficiency

measures in buildings and industry of 30%, including a

binding target for heat savings in buildings, has made the

cost of the green transition DKK 14 billion cheaper. But

the world does not come to a halt in 2030, and therefore

we continue to work on implementing energy efficiency

Targets: If we implement the actual proposals in

this report by 2030, it will have resulted in a to-

tal CO

reduction of

5,800,000

tonnes CO

per year

That corresponds to a fifth of the necessary CO

re-

duction in Danish society until 2030. At the same

time, we will have cut the total energy consump-

tion in buildings by up to 25%.

measures so that society can save DKK 120-160 billion to-

wards a climate neutral Denmark by 2050.

In 2030, all buildings will have an energy label which

gives a precise and continually updated picture of the

status of the building and suggestions for improvements.

Home buyers demand climate-friendly accommodation,

and building owners use green loans to carry out energy

improvements. Banks, municipalities and energy advisers

assist in promoting the green choices. Public building

owners and non-profit housing associations have long-

term focus on durability, climate improvements and life-

cycle costs and thus function as a driving force for the re-

mainder of society. There are requirements for imple-

menting energy efficiency measures, CO

footprints and

indoor climate when renovations are made

–

adapted

to the age and type of the buildings. The owners and

homeowners build according to the ambitious require-

ments for CO

accounts when new buildings are

erected and renovations are made. The green solution

costs a bit more here and now, but it will pay back in

the long term.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

CASE:

50 times less CO

emissions in renovations

Demolition

and recon-

struction

Renovation with re-

use of the load-carry-

ing structure

1,625,000 kg of CO

29,000 kg of CO

Hedelunden: Renovation rather than demolition and new building reduces CO

emissions

The blocks of flats from the 1970s have been thoroughly renovated. It turned out that the renovation could be performed at a much lesser CO

foot-

print total than if the properties had been demolished and newly built. Inspired by Rambøll, 2018: Hedelunden CO

besparelse.

The use of fossil fuels for the machines will have ended

when we build and renovate buildings, roads and bridges.

Machines and service vehicles use electricity, biofuels or

electrofuels, whereas dehumidification of constructions

only takes place through the use of electricity or district

heating. When buildings are demolished, building parts

and materials are recycled in direct reuse or are re-uti-

lised for new materials in a circular building economy.

While the CO

emission in Denmark is being reduced,

we are strengthening the development of Danish busi-

nesses’ technology and know-how

on sustainable solu-

tions and thus the international competitiveness of the

construction industry. New political initiatives and in-

dustrial initiatives have been developed for the pur-

pose of integration in European cooperation, and Den-

mark has contributed to preparing common European

guidelines in the form of directives, regulations and

standards.

The Danish leadership in Europe contributes to ensuring

sustainable growth and Danish jobs, because our prod-

ucts and services are demanded in Europe and the world.

Businesses and employees in the construction industry

think along green holistic solutions, collaboration across

professional disciplines, the right choice of constructions

and building materials, high quality, long useful life and

low maintenance need, and on minimising waste in the

building process.

Employers and trade unions prepare businesses and em-

ployees for new solutions, requirements and frameworks

in the construction industry. Measurable positive effects

are stronger skills in businesses and employees, and con-

struction work delivered on the agreed time.

The steering group of the climate partnership:

•

Chairman Jesper Kristian Jacobsen, Managing Di-

rector of Per Aarsleff A/S

•

Vice chairman Ingrid Reumert, Vice President, Ve-

lux A/S

•

Vice chairman Peter Kaas Hammer, Managing Di-

rector of Kemp & Lauritzen A/S

•

Jakob Brandt, Deputy Director, SMVdanmark

•

Ib Enevoldsen, Managing Director, Rambøll Danmark A/S

•

Lene Espersen, Managing Director, Danske Arki-

tektvirksomheder

•

Michael S. Larsen, Managing Director, CG Jensen A/S

•

Henrik Frank Nielsen, Senior Vice President,

ROCKWOOL Group

•

Gunde Odgaard, Head of Secretariat, BAT-Kartellet

From left: Vice Chairman Ingrid Reumert, Chairman Jesper Kristian

Jacobsen and Vice Chairman Peter Kaas Hammer

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

What are the obstacles,

and what can be done?

The businesses of the construction industry live in an intense competitive situation in both Denmark and in our

export markets in which the price is often of crucial importance. That means that some players cut corners and

underbid businesses who are in the lead with long-term solutions. This also applies to the public building own-

ers and the non-profit sector which are subject to framework that limits their possibilities of contributing to

developing the market for green solutions.

Lower energy consumption with intelligent management and energy renovations

The homeowners believe that they live in a modern home in terms of energy, but not many do. Therefore, many

building owners postpone necessary and profitable investments. Lack of interest in the energy consumption in

buildings forms a hindrance to renovations and intelligent management. Therefore, implementing energy effi-

ciency measures in Denmark is going at too slow of a pace.

Financing is a problem. Lessors cannot add costs for energy improvements to the rent, municipalities hit the con-

struction spending cap, and the politically approved budget of the National Building Fund impedes the implemen-

tation of energy efficiency measures in non-profit housing.

This is what we should do

The industry must:

advise the building owners and

recommend green solutions

cooperate with the financial sector

to develop new business models in

which the homeowners can pay for

implementing energy efficiency

measures via the ongoing operations

ensure better compliance with the

building regulations.

The Government must:

improve the financial incentive to implement energy efficiency

measures, e.g. through an improved deduction for builders, prop-

erty taxes and energy taxes

make demands on the use of life-cycle costs which prevents a

narrow focus on the here and now cost and not on the long-

term economy

adjust the rules so that municipalities etc. invest in energy improve-

ments and renewable energy

–

e.g. through ESCO models

increase the budget of the National Building Fund so that 120,000 so-

cial housing accommodations can be energy-efficient and modern

make demands for automation that prevents energy waste and uses

the energy when it is greenest

ensure better compliance with the building regulations.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

The industry must:

have more committed players in the state

RE approval scheme

create new solutions that make it easy for the

individual homeowner to switch to green alter-

natives.

The Government must:

lay down requirements for the efficiency

of heating installations

implement a national plan for phasing out natural

gas for heating

phase out oil burners towards 2030.

accounts for buildings, bridges and roads

The focus in construction is still to deliver at a low price, because that is the most important thing for most

customers today. The problem is that this does not create climate-friendly solutions except for individual show-

case projects. For most people, it is a new and unfamiliar way of thinking regarding the CO

footprint and life

cycle calculations in the entire life of the building because the demand is so small.

This is what we should do

The industry must:

develop its “mindset” from an economic to

a life-

cycle cost /climate bottom line

work to promote that all constructions have CO

ac-

counts, that material optimization is made and

that product-specific environmental declarations of

content is in demand,

develop more and smarter solutions for calculating

life cycle analyses

reduce the footprint of CO

through increased inno-

vation with producers of materials by using more

renewable energy in the production.

The Government must:

make demands for the CO

accounts of buildings

in the building regulations from 2021 and set out

a requirement level of 12 kg CO

/per year

adopt the voluntary sustainability class and set out

a requirement level of 8.5 kg CO

/per year

revise the requirement levels on an ongoing basis

and make a step-by-step increase by 2023, 2025

and 2030

set up a working group to assess and further

develop methods, tools, requirement levels

etc.

establish a “support office” for SMEs, so that we in-

volve all in relation to developing EPDs (environ-

mental product declarations), use

the tool “LCA

Byg”

etc. as quickly as possible

incorporate LCA methods for bridges and civil en-

gineering works.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

electric generators and hot air generators for dehumidification of mois-

ture in the construction process.

The industry must:

protect construction works better against mois-

ture during construction and make energy re-

quirements in connection with dehumidification,

demand green machines and energy and imple-

ment the practical transition.

The Government must:

obligate utility companies to deliver green energy

for building sites when construction commences,

promote CO

free production equipment by

means of requirements and duties.

The energy label is the key to implementing energy efficiency measures in our buildings, and all buildings should

have one

–

and the quality of the labels must be ensured. Because there are quality problems. The current en-

ergy labels have been criticized for being defective, imprecise and rarely usable in practice.

As regards private homes, there is only a requirement of an energy label inspection in case of change of owner-

ship. That means that implementation of energy efficiency measures having taken place since the change of own-

ership, e.g. replacement of windows, are not reflected in the energy label. Therefore, the energy label and the

related recommendations for energy improvements quickly become obsolete.

The industry must:

participate in the development of the future en-

ergy label for buildings in collaboration with the

authorities

–

a reliable, digital and dynamic tool

which is updated when projects are carried out.

And which contains an actual plan for energy reno-

vation

contribute to developing the energy label so that

the financing institutions may use it in their advice

to homeowners and as a basis for loans for green

investments.

The Government must:

ensure that requirements are made for a mandatory

energy label for all buildings erected before 2000,

further develop the future energy label for build-

ings into a reliable, digital and dynamic tool,

which is updated when projects are carried out,

containing an actual plan for energy upgrading

that can be used by lenders as the basis for loans

for green investments.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

An introduction to the proposals

from the working groups

Photos: Jeppe Carlsen

At the request of the Government, the climate part-

nership for the construction industry has reviewed

possibilities for reducing CO

which the industry can

help contribute to. It has been an intensive process

over four months in which more than 100 business

managers and specialists have been involved in the

process, including owners, architects, consulting en-

gineers, producers of materials, contractors, build-

ers and selected experts.

Dive into the proposals

Five working groups have each provided proposals for

reductions based on their themes:

•

Energy renovation of existing buildings

Reduce CO

emissions from operation of buildings

Design and the CO

content of materials in buildings

Reduce CO

emissions at the building site

Reduce CO

emissions in the civil engineering sector

The calculations of how much the various proposals may

reduce the emission of greenhouse gases take as their

starting point, to the extent possible, in official statistics,

such as the energy statistics from the Danish Energy

Agency or statistics from Statistics Denmark. In cases

where it has not been possible to base the calculations on

these sources, experience from the industry has served as

supplements. It may e.g. be for the CO2 emissions from

certain types of work in a building project. From there, it

has subsequently been scaled up to a total number for the

entire industry.

The potential savings are based on an estimate of how big

a share of the emission can be saved. All estimates are of

potential saving as many factors play a part in the devel-

opment. It may be that it is required that bids are made

in a new way, or that more electrically-powered ma-

chines must be developed. The estimates of the savings

have been made by the various working groups of the cli-

mate partnerships consisting of representatives of the

construction industry.

In the appendix report, all 63 proposals from the climate

partnerships have been described in detail, including the

assumptions of the estimated CO

reductions.

Calculation of CO

effects

27 of the proposals are described on the following

pages.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Actual proposals from the

construction industry

If we implement the actual proposals in this re-

port by 2030, it will result in a total CO

reduc-

tion of 5,800,000 tonnes of CO

per year

(corrected for overlaps).

Here is the overview of all the

27 prioritised initiatives. “Enablers

are necessary initia-

tives that pave the road for the others. “

Initiatives

reduction in tonnes Page Theme

1,540,000

1,055,000

608,000

560,000

510,000

304,000

280,000

275,000

220,000

200,000-600,000

177,000

162,000

146,000

100,000

75,000

70,000

66,000

61,000

57,000

50,000

42,000

Enabler

reduction from operation of buildings

Transversal proposals

Design and CO

in buildings

Energy renovation of existing buildings

reduction from operation of buildings

Design and CO

in buildings

reduction from operation of buildings

reduction at the building site

Design and CO

in buildings

reduction at the building site

reduction in the civil engineering sector

reduction at the building site

reduction from operation of buildings

Energy renovation existing buildings

Energy renovation of existing buildings

reduction in the civil engineering sector

reductions in the civil engineering sector

Energy renovation of existing buildings

reduction at the building site

Design and CO

in buildings

Design and CO

in buildings

Phasing out natural gas for heating

Conversion of builders’ vehicles to

being elec-

trically powered

Dissemination of LCA and targets for CO

10% lower heat consumption

Intelligent management of energy consumption

Project-specific climate accounts in tenders

Replacement of oil burners

Fossil-free production equipment at the build-

ing site

Reduce the material consumption and CO

emission in the design

Fewer materials and less waste

Fossil fuel and emission-free plant machinery

Transition to electric vehicles on the roads

Use of new types of cement

Optimized planning and layout at the building

site

free dehumidification and heating

Optimisation of heat pumps

Renovation of technical installations

Package solutions for energy renovations for

homeowners

120,000 energy-efficient social housing units

Climate-friendly asphalt

Digital solutions: Robots, Additive Manufactur-

ing and digital twins

Public investments in heating savings

The energy label must be an active tool for en-

ergy savings

Electricity and district heating at the building

site

accounts for the building site

Development of underlying data and systems

Requirements of the building regulations and

sustainability class from 2021 with a step-by-

step tightening towards 2030, and develop-

ment of technical common ownership

* Described in further detail in the appendix report

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

5,800,000

tonnes of CO

per year

Energy renovation of existing

buildings

The construction industry

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Energy renovation of existing buildings

Most of today’s buildings stem from a time without

particular focus on energy efficiency, and 80% of

them will also be used in 2050. Therefore, imple-

mentation of energy efficiency measures in the cur-

rent buildings is vital to reach our climate targets.

Lower energy need in buildings contributes in a number

of ways to the climate target:

1. Reduces the CO

emission

2. Lowers the cost of transition of the energy system to

renewable energy

3. Releases climate-friendly energy, e.g. biomass which

is currently used for district heating production, for

use in the industry.

14 initiatives that in 2030 will contribute to

reducing heat consumption by 10%:

5TWh (18 PJ) corresponding to the capac-

ity of three Horns Rev 3 windfarms

Great profits to reap

Today, 30% of the energy is used for heating. A reduc-

tion of the energy consumption for heating at 10% until

2030 will reduce the CO

emission, which is today at

about 6 million tonnes while at the same time provid-

ing a number of other gains:

That makes the bill of the green transition about DKK 6

billion cheaper up to 2030, i.a. as a result of lower re-

source consumption and larger efficiency of the energy

system. Lower energy consumption entails fewer invest-

ments in expansion of renewable energy and thus makes

the green transition easier and faster.

Also, it releases biomass which can be used in other

sectors such as industry, which faces a big challenge in

relation to the transition.

It is possible to witness a quick effect as the initiative

relating to buildings can be started right away with well-

tested and well-documented solutions.

Top 5 initiatives

Package solutions for energy renova-

tion for homeowners

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Potential in dwellings and public buildings

The large potential of heating savings is found in single-

family houses and terraced houses, in social housing and

public buildings. More than half of the total energy con-

sumption for heating is used in single-family houses.

We spend more than 22 hours of the day and night in-

doors. Energy improvements often also contribute to

a better indoor climate which is vital to our health

and well-being. This derived effect increases the so-

cio-economic gains of energy efficiency measures.

There is a large demand for maintaining and renovat-

ing buildings and creating attractive dwellings, both in

the public sector and in social housing. The public sec-

tor alone has a maintenance backlog estimated at DKK

50 billion

. Many renovations are both necessary and

profitable and give the possibility of reaping large sav-

ings in energy. A targeted effort in these sectors can

create a larger scale to the benefit of the development

of new solutions and products.

•

Information

For instance, clearer energy requirements in the housing reg-

ulations and an enhanced energy label, which also focuses on

indoor climate, can contribute to ensure energy savings that

we fail to obtain today.

Financing

Grants and attractive loans promote energy improvements.

Vision: In 2030 energy-efficient buildings

will have contributed to faster and

cheaper green transition.

With the right initiatives, we can have a housing stock

in 2030 in which:

•

Heat consumption has been reduced by 10%

Clearer energy requirements in the building regula-

tions ensure that the demands are complied with,

so that neither building owners nor society fails to

obtain profitable energy savings. Better possibili-

ties of financing have increased the renovation

rate.

Social housing units are renovated on an ongoing

basis

The National Building Fund has financial frame-

works to renovate and create attractive and en-

ergy-efficient social housing units without straining

the public finances. Queues of tens of thousands

approved renovation projects are a thing of the

past.

The public sector is in front

The public sector has been given the opportunity

to lead the way by making its own buildings more

energy efficient and through dialogue and targeted

activities motivate homeowners, building societies

and businesses to enhance energy efficiency.

Far more homeowners implement energy renovation

A systematic effort with stronger financial incen-

tives and better communication ensures that the

homeowners no longer miss out on the possibility

of energy optimisation.

•

Barriers

There are many decision-makers and stakeholders who

have very different assumptions when millions of build-

ings in Denmark are going to be made more energy-effi-

cient. The energy consumption for heating has been on

the increase for the past years. That seems to indicate

that energy renovations have not been carried out to the

extent necessary. The most important barriers are:

•

Framework conditions

Many public building owners and the social housing

sector have a professional approach to energy sav-

ings. But renovations are slowed down by frame-

work conditions such as the construction spending

cap and inadequate frameworks for the National

Building Fund.

Knowledge and economic incentives

Many private homeowners lack the required

knowledge and a financial incentive to under-

take energy renovation.

•

Solutions

The building and finance sector plays an important role as

ambassadors for implementing energy efficiency

measures. But we all need to be involved. To have our

buildings made more energy efficient there is a need for

both a carrot and a stick in the right combination of:

•

Requirements

For instance, municipalities and regions can make de-

mands for an ambitious energy label when lease

agreements are concluded such as the state already

does today.

Incentives

A greener Housing-Jobs scheme deduction with the

possibility of saving deductions for a number of years

for large initiatives can lead to more and more in-

depth energy renovations with homeowners.

Main results: Saves 560,000 tonnes of CO

in 2030

Reduction of the heat consumption by 10% in 2030 cor-

responds to 5 TWh (18 PJ)

–

or the capacity of more

than two large wind energy farms (Horns Rev 3). That

will entail a reduction of a CO

emission of 560,000

tonnes/CO

per year.

The overall target has been supplemented by another

four proposals for actual initiatives, that each contrib-

utes to reaching part of the target. But to realize the full

potential, it is vital that an effort is made within private

trade and service. The three initiatives are within four

types of buildings in which there is large energy saving

potential: single-family houses, terraced houses, social

housing and the public sector. The proposals have been

prioritised according to how quickly they can be imple-

mented.

1: Dansk Byggeri 2019, Kommunernes rolle i klimakampen Analyse af

potentialet for energibesparelser (the Danish Construction Association

2019: The role of the municipalities in the climate challenge; an analy-

sis of the potential for energy savings)

•

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

10% lower heat consumption

If the energy requirements for existing buildings of

the building regulations are complied with and the

number of energy renovations are increased, the

energy consumption for heating can be reduced by

1% a year.

Energy improvements pay off for the individual home-

owner and society. The industry must take responsibil-

ity, but the initiative must be supported by a target in

the climate action plan.

Energy improvements in buildings must be made in

connection with the ongoing maintenance in order to

be cost effective. That is why the building regulations

contain energy requirements when various building

parts are renovated. Towards 2050, DKK 727 billion

must be invested in the basic renovation of the building

envelopes. The extra investment of living up to the en-

ergy requirements of the building requirements is

about DKK 40 billion

Ultimately,

it is the owner’s responsibility that the

energy requirements are complied with, but the industry

must ensure that it takes place in far more cases than to-

day. That must be done by informing the building

The estimated annual effect of the initiative

in 2030

reduction:

tonnes

Savings in heating:

5 TWh

(about 18 PJ)

Saved biomass:

760,000 tonnes

Can be initiated from

2020

owner of rules and solutions and giving quotations and

calculations of the project which are in compliance

with the rules. Builders must have better knowledge

of energy requirements, and it must be clearly speci-

fied in the building regulations how to meet the re-

quirements.

In the future, failure to comply with energy require-

ments should be sanctioned.

2: SBI 2017, Varmebesparelse i eksisterende bygninger potentiale og øko-

nomi (SBI 2017: Heat savings in existing buildings, potential and economy)

560,000

120,000 energy-efficient social housing units

The social housing sector can most quickly deliver

large energy savings in the existing housing stock. A

queue of approved renovation projects can be

started at short notice.

Every tenth social housing unit faces renovation. This

primarily takes place through the residents’ own sav-

ings in the Danish Housing Fund (LBF). Use of the sav-

ings depends on the financial framework of LBF, which

presently does not match the need. That has created a

queue of approved renovation projects in 60,000

dwellings of DKK 17 billion.

Altogether, about 120,000 social housing units

should be renovated by 2030. In addition to an im-

portant CO

reduction, it will save 500 GWh and

78,000 tonnes of biomass.

The estimated annual effect of the initiative

in 2030

reduction:

tonnes

Savings in heating:

0,5 TWh

(about 1,7 PJ)

Saved biomass:

78,000 tonnes

Can be initiated from

2020

The assumption is that LBF’s financial framework is in-

creased in connection with the Housing Agreement 2020.

The public finances are not strained as the funds in LBF

are the residents’ money.

61,000

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Public investments in heat savings

It is a natural thing that the public sector takes ac-

tion in the political climate target and reduces the

energy consumption for heating in its buildings.

Many municipalities are ready to invest in necessary

profitable energy initiatives in municipal buildings, but

they are slowed down by limitations in the construction

spending cap. There is much to be achieved. By way of

example, 70% of the 23,000 municipal buildings have a

poor energy label (D-G) to the detriment of both the cli-

mate, the indoor climate and the economy of the munic-

ipalities.

EU’s requirement for 3% implementing energy effi-

ciency measures in public buildings should also apply to

municipalities and regions. If the potential for savings in

heating must be met, energy-related projects must be

exempted from the construction spending cap. By 2030,

no public buildings should have an energy label poorer

than C.

The estimated annual effect of the initia-

tive in 2030

Savings in heating:

0.4 TWh

(1.4 PJ)

Saved biomass:

49,000 tonnes

Can be initiated from

Further incentives for a better energy standard can

be created for public institutions if the executive order

stipulates that municipalities and regions make de-

mands on an ambitious energy label when they enter

into lease agreements

–

which the state must do today.

Thus, the entire public sector can increase demand for

energy-efficient buildings.

Package solutions for energy renova-

tion for homeowners

The very large potential for savings in heating is

found in single-family houses which represent 54%

of the Danish energy consumption for heating. Six

out of ten of these buildings have a poor energy

label (D-G).

Even if it is a bargain, the homeowners do not energy

renovate to an adequate extent. In order to get the mar-

ket going, it is suggested to develop renovation packages

adapted to archetypes of houses. The initiative can reap

one third of the potential of 2.1 TWh (7.4 PJ) and

222,000 tonnes of CO

, respectively. It must be followed

by other initiatives if the full potential is to be realised.

The packages should contain thoroughly prepared

proposals for measures such as loft insulation, new

windows, heat pumps etc. and should be offered sys-

The estimated annual effect of the initia-

tive in 2030

thematically to homeowners. Builders and financing in-

stitutions are central communicators to the homeown-

ers. The positive impact of the measures on indoor cli-

mate, comfort and functionality is included to increase

motivation. These measures should be supplemented by

better financing options, such as saving of deductions

for builders over a number of years or better loan condi-

tions for green investments.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

The energy label must be an active tool

for energy savings

The energy label must be a dialogue tool when a builder

or other adviser is in dialogue with the homeowner

about improvements of the home. This also applies to

the financing sector. However, it implies that the label

give a truer, fairer and more understandable view and

give actual measures. The energy label should be the

action plan on which renovation measures can be

planned based on the replacement rate for the individ-

ual building parts that have various useful lives, win-

dows, roofs etc. In addition, the energy label should in-

clude indoor climate matters such as draft and chill,

condensation and mould fungus, noise and daylight.

Estimated effect of the initiative

Enabler for reduction targets

Can be initiated from

2020

Digitalisation of the label must ensure that the energy la-

bel becomes a dynamic tool in which both the building

owner and builders may add ongoing energy improvements.

Objects

Interior

1 year

Installations

Facade

50 years

Structure

100 years

Foundations

Forever

The elements of a building and their typical useful life before replacement is necessary. World Green Building Council: Bringing Embodied

Carbon Upfront: https:/

/www.worldgbc.org/news-media/bringing-embodied-carbon-upfront

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Other initiatives for implementation of energy efficiency measures

of existing buildings

A green element in the property tax

Revitalisation of renewal of buildings and main-

taining the role of the Building Damage Fund in

relation to implementing energy effective

measures of privately owned multi-storey homes.

energy savings

through exemption of all energy-related construc-

tion work from the construction spending cap

10% binding targets for reduction of the energy

consumption for heating in 2030

A green element in the property tax

Revitalised building renewal and a role for the

Building Damage Fund in the implementation of

energy efficiency measures in buildings

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

5,800,000

tonnes of CO

per year

Operation of buildings

Implementation of energy

efficiency measures

The construction industry

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

reduction from

operation of buildings

A large share of the Danish energy consumption and

climate footprint is in the operation and heating of

our buildings. That can be reduced significantly

with green transition and implementation of energy

efficiency measures.

In total, operations and heating of buildings in 2017

constituted about 40% of the Danish energy consump-

tion, and about 23% of the CO

emission from energy.

Towards 2030, the energy consumption for heating of

buildings will slightly be decreasing.

The largest sources of CO

emissions in the building

stock are heated with fossil fuels such as oil and gas.

With a number of cost-efficient measures, it is possible

to reduce the CO

emissions from the buildings signifi-

cantly over the next 10 years. Operation of buildings

thus involves large potential in the efforts to meet the

targets of the Danish Climate Act of a 70% reduction.

The five concrete initiatives mentioned below can

reduce the CO

emission from the buildings by 86%.

14 initiatives with an estimated potential of

2,500,000

Top 5 initiatives

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

Natural gas for domestic heating is

phased out and replaced by green al-

ternatives.

Cheaper transition for a more robust en-

ergy system

Our energy consumption must be moved from fossil fuels to

electricity which is produced when the wind is blowing and

the sun is shining. The increasing electricity consumption

and the more varied production make new requirements on

the energy system in 2030.

The pressure on the energy system becomes smaller

when we optimise building operations so that we use

less energy. The green transition will be significantly

more expensive if no energy efficiency measures are

implemented.

Renovation of technical installations

Incentives and better observance of re-

quirements ensure optimisation of the

installations in buildings.

1: Green Transition Denmark: Bygningers andel af energiforbrug og

udledninger (2019)

(the share of buildings’ energy consumption and

emissions (2019), the Danish Energy Agency: 2019 Basic projection

(2019)

2: EA Energianalyse: Analyse for det samfundsøkonomisk potentiale for energibe-

sparelser (2019). (Analysis of the socio-economic potential for energy savings

(2019). The study shows that it will be DKK 3-4 billion more expensive per

year, if no energy efficiency measures are implemented in all sectors.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Optimised operation of buildings can contribute

substantially to the green transition in two ways:

•

Cheap CO

reductions

Energy-efficient operation of buildings will reduce

the energy consumption and is one of the cheapest

socio-economic ways for the necessary CO

reduc-

tion towards 2030. The Danish Council on Climate

Change assesses that energy renovation of buildings

and dissemination of individual heat pumps are

among the most appropriate elements of the transi-

tion.

Robust and efficient energy system

Reduction and balancing of the energy consump-

tion in buildings over the entire 24 hours reduces

the need for importing energy and investing in

electrical grids and larger energy production from

i.a. solar cells and wind energy. By making the en-

ergy consumption for operation of buildings flexi-

ble by means of intelligent energy management, it

becomes possible to move consumption to the peri-

ods when the power is green and cheap.

•

This is how we speed up the transition

To get the most out of the concrete CO

reducing initia-

tives, there is a need for a number of supporting initia-

tives

–

so-called enablers. This applies to i.a.:

•

Making demands for total cost of ownership

A large share of new constructions, ongoing

maintenance and renovation of buildings is made

with a very narrow focus on the cost here and

now, and not on the long-term economy. Total

cost of ownership is a way to ensure that the

building owner has long-term focus on erection

and operation of the building so that the most op-

timal and thus energy-efficient solutions are cho-

sen. Therefore, it is suggested that stricter re-

quirements for using total cost of ownerships are

made, that better basis for calculation and actual

guidelines are developed, and that a total cost of

ownership label is implemented for new construc-

tions and in case of large renovations.

Focus on operations

Operation of buildings is typically not a focus area

for businesses or homeowners. This means that

energy consumption is not followed closely and

ongoing optimisation of energy consumption is not

a priority so that it does not increase over time.

Operation of buildings can to a greater extent be

put into focus by automatically collecting data on

the energy consumption in the buildings and de-

veloping key figures that make it easy to follow

the development and spot additional use.

Promote flexible energy consumption

A very large share of the Danish energy consump-

tion is used for heating, ventilation and cooling of

buildings.

Much of the consumption can be shifted

without having any large practical difference in the

use of the building. Shifting enables a balancing of

the consumption, and that is of great importance to

the price paid for the energy. Flexibility requires in-

telligent energy management of the installations, and

it must be easy and financially attractive to the con-

sumers to contribute with flexibility. For instance,

through more dynamic energy prices and new business

models.

•

Let the public sector be the driver behind the

development

Together with the publicly supported construction

in the non-profit sector, the public building owners

are the largest Danish building owners. It will there-

fore have a significant impact if the public sector

and the cooperative housing society lead the way

and make climate requirements for their own build-

ings. It is also proposed that municipalities and re-

gions are charged with preparing climate action

plans for their own CO

emissions.

•

The right framework will take us a long way. Subse-

quently, five concrete initiatives are proposed which to-

gether can deliver a reduction of 2.45 million tonnes of

in 2030 and 41 PJ (petajoule) in energy consumption

further in relation to the Danish Energy

Agency’s basic

projection 2019. Together that will provide an 86% re-

duction in CO

emission and a 17% reduction in energy

consumption in comparison to 1990.

3: https://www.klimaraadet.dk/da/rapporter/omstilling-frem-mod-2030

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Replacing natural gas

Natural gas for domestic heating must be replaced

by green alternatives.

Today, approximately 400,000 buildings are heated with

natural gas. They must be transferred to renewable en-

ergy by replacing the natural gas with biogas or switching

to district heating or heat pumps.

The necessary changes are expensive and take a

long time to implement. It is vital that a central politi-

cal decision is made in relation to what should happen

to natural gas, as soon as possible.

If gas is kept for heating of buildings, an efficiency

requirement towards 2030, must be made which, re-

Estimated effect of the initiative

1,540,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

duces the gas consumption by about 80%. If biogas

should not be used for heating of buildings, the instal-

lation of natural gas boilers should be prohibited. So

that other green solutions are promoted.

Intelligent management of energy consump-

tion

More intelligent management of the energy con-

sumption can help us in using the energy when it is

green and cheap.

Intelligent energy management can reduce the en-

ergy consumption and integrate various automatic

building controls so that they do not counteract and

move consumption to periods when the energy is

green and cheap.

Automatic building controls are used on both indi-

vidual installations for e.g. lighting, ventilation and

heating and in more integrated systems and intelli-

gent buildings. The large potential lies in large build-

ings, but more systems become available, targeted at

private customers and thus smaller buildings.

Estimated effect of the initiative

510,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2025

Much of the automatic controls should be manda-

tory in new constructions and renovations, and

standards for building automatic controls must be

made. Consumers must have access to energy data

of buildings and installations from smart meters.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Replacement of oil boilers

There is a need for requirements and prohibitions

to get rid of the remaining oil boilers.

100,000 homes were still heated by oil in 2017.

Despite

many attempts to speed up the replacement, there will still

be 40,000 active oil boilers in 2030 if further measures are

not initiated. Information campaigns, energy savings grants

and scrapping premiums are not enough.

It is suggested that requirements should be made

that all oil boilers must be replaced by 2030 and pro-

hibit installation and replacement of fossil oil boilers

Estimated effect of the initiative

280,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

from 2021. The requirement is supported by an initia-

tive of the industry to get more installers involved in

the renewal certification scheme.

Optimisation of heat pumps

Requirements for service of heat pumps and fit-

ters increase the energy efficiency.

A study

shows that nine out of ten heat pumps do not per-

form optimally. Some of the profit from switching from oil

or natural gas boilers is therefore not gained. This problem

gets bigger as we get more heat pumps. By ensuring a bet-

ter installation and service of heat pumps, it is possible to

improve heat pump performance by 16%.

It is proposed that the industry develops a joint in-

dustry standard for servicing heat pumps to ensure

Estimated effect of the initiative

70,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2025

optimum operation. It is also suggested that public subsidy

regimens make it mandatory to use a business which is a

member of the state renewal certification scheme.

Renovation of technical installations

Financial incentives and better observance of re-

quirements can optimise the existing installations in

buildings.

Despite the fact that renovations of technical installa-

tions are energy-saving, financially profitable as well as

having a short repayment period, they are rarely realised

by the building owners. In particular small and medium-

sized businesses have more focus on the day-to-day op-

erations.

Renovations of ventilation, lighting, cooling and

heating installations are promoted by adjusting the

current financing scheme, e.g. the Housing-Jobs

Estimated effect of the initiative

70,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2025

scheme, and spread municipal experiences with energy

screenings. Authorities and the industry must clarify

needs for documentation that certain requirements in

the building regulations have been met.

4: https://ens.dk/sites/ens.dk/files/Statistik/opvarmningsundersoegelsen.pdf

5: The Technological Institute: Den gode installation af varmepumper (2017)

(The good installation of heat pumps)

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Other initiatives for CO

reduction from operation of buildings

1. Strengthen the possibilities for internal

use of surplus heat

Surplus heat should also be used to avoid en-

ergy waste.

2. Create easier access to energy data

Data on ongoing energy consumption strengthens

the assumptions for optimising the operation.

3. Strengthen ongoing service of buildings

The energy consumption of buildings increases

over time if the technical installations are not

maintained.

4. Use buildings for storage of energy

With increasing quantities of fluctuating RE in

the energy system, buildings must act as energy

storage and balance consumption.

5. Make energy sources competitive

Bring down barriers that discriminate CO

friendly

energy types.

6. Adjust tariff structure and payment of

electricity, gas and district heating

The consumers’ payments of energy should

support flexible consumption and implementa-

tion of energy efficiency measures.

7. Adapt the building regulations and

strengthen compliance

The rules of the construction industry must

ensure a low climate footprint and low en-

ergy consumption. The compliance is inade-

quate, and contravention is sanctioned too

seldom.

8. Focus on overall economy

Too much construction and renovation are

completed with the focus on the lowest possi-

ble construction price and not on long-term op-

erating efficiency and climate impact.

9. Let the public and social housing sectors

lead the way

Speed up the development by letting the public

sector and the non-profit housing associations

lead the way.

It is a cornerstone in the green transition, and so-

cio-economically beneficial to reduce energy con-

sumption by 20-26% until 2030. The energy saving

efforts have been under-prioritised for years.

The rules should support the 70% target, and there

is a need to strengthen compliance.

Taxes should reflect the climate footprint and

promote investments in implementation of energy

efficiency measures and flexibility.

Strengthen access to energy data with clear guide-

lines, standards and instructions.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

5,800,000

tonnes of CO

per year

Design and

materials

Operation of buildings

Implementation of energy

efficiency measures

The construction industry

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Multi-story housing construction in the Port of Aarhus.

Design and the CO

content

of materials in buildings

Potential in new construction

10% of the CO

emission stems from production of build-

ing materials, and within new construction it can be

reduced by 50% in 2030 through increasing focus on

design and use of building materials.

Requirements in the building regulations and the upcom-

ing sustainability class must be used to promote the devel-

opment. The requirements must be made now and in-

creased step-by-step until 2030.

About 80% of the reduction takes place in that the in-

dustry, before 2030, builds at the best known sustaina-

bility level in 2018. That requires that tools for imple-

menting life cycle analyses (LCA-Byg) are completed

and form part of all stages of the construction and in all

construction work.

The last part of the reductions is made by implement-

ing new innovative solutions, putting them into use as

soon as possible, and by building material producers

generally basing their production on greener energy

mix. That takes place, i.a. by using new demo con-

struction works as reference construction for industry.

LCA must be put into use in case of large renovation pro-

jects where it will also promote the recycling of materi-

als. The potential for reducing CO

in renovation has

not been estimated due to lack of data.

20 initiatives with an estimated potential of

1,130,000

Top 5 initiatives

tonnes of CO

per year

Estimated implementation:

2021-2030

Project-specific climate accounts in

all tenders.

The industry develops and

uses project-specific climate accounts

in tender material.

Barriers can be broken down

The building industry is ready to use LCA in construction

already now, and there is some knowledge and experi-

ence in Denmark and abroad. However, the building in-

dustry is fragmented, and there is a need to increase the

skill level in all elements of the chain, and in both large

and small businesses. Most of the industry’s barriers are

removed most easily by making demands for LCA calcula-

tions and about maximum CO

in the construction work,

starting with 8.5 kg CO

/m2 per year in the sustainability

class and 12 kg CO

/m2 per year in the building regula-

tions. The requirements will be increased towards 2030.

Development of a data basis for LCA

in construction

The industry develops a transparent

data basis as the foundation for statu-

tory requirements regarding LCA in the

construction.

be updated, such as guidelines,

contractual bases, norms etc.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Removing barriers entails that public authorities take

responsibility to ensure:

•

Better data

The available data basis is limited and must be

developed together with industry.

•

Better tools

The available tools (LCA-Byg) have been devel-

oped on an ad hoc basis and with private grants

from foundations. There is a need to accelerate

the development with the support and quality

control from public authorities, and assistance

with the use of tools by small and medium-sized

businesses.

•

Recycling and re-use

Functional requirements in the legislation may be a

barrier to the reduction of CO

, for instance by in-

creasing material consumption or preventing new

innovative solutions.

Altogether, towards 2023 there will be a need for

public investments at DKK 35 million for development

of data basis, tools, scrutiny of statutory require-

ments and revision of technical requirements and a

support office for SMEs.

Demonstration and innovation should be

promoted

Advisers and producers of materials must increasingly

use materials with a low CO

footprint in a life cycle

perspective, reduce material consumption, use recycla-

ble materials, optimise calculation methods, use new in-

novative solutions, share knowledge and contribute to

developing technical joint property.

We must have more construction work that is designed

with materials with a reduced CO

footprint in order to

develop reference construction for the industry. The

public sector and large owners must lead the way and

invest in demo construction work.

Requirements for materials and energy must be balanced with indoor climate require-

ments.

struction. The requirement is set to 8.5 kg CO

per year from

2021 and increased in 2023, 2025 and 2030

The building regulations must also make demands for a maximum

of CO

emissions in all stages of the construction work. The de-

mand starts at 12 kg CO

per year in 2021 and is used to sort

out the most CO

burdensome projects. The requirement will be

increased step-by-step towards 2030. From 2023, LCA calculation

and maximum CO

emissions become an alternative to energy cal-

culation.

The public sector and large owners have led the way by using

the sustainability class as a reference. Building societies, pri-

vate owners and advisers have followed suit, when from 2020

financing models had already been developed to promote new

construction with a low CO

footprint and use of climate ac-

counts and contribute to those in charge of project work, advis-

ers and performers use LCA by default in all stages of the con-

struction work.

Already in 2021, the necessary tools and guidelines will have been

developed to carry out a transparent LCA calculation for the con-

struction work in its entire useful life. There will also be sufficient

data to make CO

requirements for the entire useful life of the

construction work. All tools and methods have been developed

in collaboration with relevant government agencies, experts and

representatives of the construction industry. Methods are devel-

oped in accordance with European methods, including EN 15804.

Producers of materials and industries have also developed the

required environmental product declarations (EPD) which are

subject to relevant control and traceability of data and which

prepare material passports. Municipalities and private owners

have established demo platforms that contribute to innovative

and optimised construction.

The sustainability class in play now

The upcoming voluntary sustainability class for con-

struction supports the entire process. It can promote

the development of the construction work and Danish

export opportunities as was previously the case in rela-

tion to the voluntary low-energy classes of the building

regulations.

The sustainability class should be seen as a regulation

aspect. It must be possible to allow for solutions with

long lifecycles. Already now, there should be a target

for maximally 8.5 kg CO

per year. Clear targets in

the sustainability class will motivate the industry to

innovate.

Vision and ambition

By 2030, the embedded CO

in materials will be reduced

by 50% seen in proportion to 2018. That has occurred by

increasing demand for constructions with a lower CO

footprint:

The sustainability class must set out requirements for a

maximum of CO

emissions in all phases of the new con-

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Dissemination of LCA and targets for CO

The public sector and large owners must set CO

tar-

gets for the total construction during its useful life

in connection with tenders and make demands for

the use of LCA calculations in order to document

compliance with the demands.

This is made visible in climate accounts which are also

an element of the requirements of the tender mate-

rial. Thus, the owner encourages the players of the

construction work to undertake responsibility and each

contribute to the total reduction.

Digital, product-specific environmental product

declarations for the most substantial building parts

and material passports and building passports must be

in demand.

Estimated effect of the initiative

608,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2020-2030

The voluntary sustainability class sets up ambitious

requirements from 2021. The state, municipalities

and private owners use these in bids and in the de-

velopment of local plans.

Typical standard house built for low energy class 2015.

Project-specific climate accounts in tenders

An industry standard is developed for project-spe-

cific climate accounts based on LCA calculations of

the entire construction work and of materials and a

building passport.

The requirement for use of climate accounts is incorpo-

rated into tender material, including requirements for

ongoing follow-up through the stages of a project, which

oblige the adviser and contractor to inform the owner

about the total CO

footprint.

The tool LCA-Byg is used to develop data so that

the building process is optimised. That will reduce

waste and CO

emission in all stages and increase the

possibility of reuse and recycling.

Estimated effect of the initiative

304,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2023-2030

Requirements are used to create demand for product-

specific environmental declarations for the most sub-

stantial building parts.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Reduction of consumption of mate-

rials and CO

emission in design

The public sector and large owners must contribute

to the demo construction work which demonstrates

proposals for solutions based on CO

targets for the

building in its entire useful life.

Municipalities and private owners can promote demo con-

structions in collaboration with advisers and suppliers.

The LCA-Byg tool must be used to develop new so-

lutions. All actors must work towards the same CO

targets/m

by means of a standardised LCA proce-

dure.

The voluntary CO

targets must help the construc-

tion actors avoid over-dimensioning and waste, plan

Estimated effect of the initiative

220,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2021-2030

optimal logistics at the building sites and choose mate-

rials with a minimal CO

footprint in its entire useful

life.

The initiative will make demands regarding purchases and

the supply chain and is estimated to contribute 1% reduction

per year towards 2030.

Development of underlying data and sys-

tems

An effort to reduce targeted embedded CO

in mate-

rials starts with the development of reliable data.

Reliable data is a basic assumption for transparency,

traceability and effective documentation of con-

struction products, including product-specific envi-

ronmental product declarations and materials pass-

ports.

The CO

emission from the construction is best

minimized by building energy and resource efficiently

and looking at the entire useful life of the building.

LCA and data must be developed to support this.

Estimated effect of the initiative

Enabler for reduction of targets

Can be implemented:

2020-2022

A basis and market for recycling and reuse of mate-

rials must be created so that construction industry ac-

tors can choose materials that contain recycled materi-

als and can be circulated efficiently.

Materials liberated in demolition must be reused or

recycled as materials of new products.

Development of the sustainability

class and technical joint property

Authorities and the construction industry use the

sustainability class to develop construction and en-

sure the content of all material parameters for sus-

tainable construction work.

Authorities and the industry must work for the develop-

ment of the right framework conditions and guidelines,

and that experiences are made available in BBR (the Dan-

ish Buildings and Homes Register), energy label and other

databases.

The industry will influence and support the updat-

ing of technical joint property (contractual basis,

norms, BYG-ERFA) and will enter into cooperation to look

Estimated effect of the initiative

Enabler for reduction of targets

Can be implemented:

2020-2022

into legal requirements in construction, including revision of

security factors, labelling schemes, norms etc.

The industry works for the visual profiling of particu-

larly sustainable construction work, e.g. in that DGNB

makes projects that especially reduce the CO

emission

per m

, visible.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Project: FBAB Lisbjerg for Al2bolig. Architect: Vandkunsten. Photo: Helene Hoyer Mikkelsen

Other initiatives for design and the CO

content of the material in buildings

Use LCA in all stages

1. Owners and advisers use product-specific EPDs

2. Owners use climate accounts and set targets

for CO

levels and reuse

–

waste must be

rendered visible

3. Increased documentation of construction

4. Develop an industry manifesto for sustainable

construction

Climate accounts to be put up to tender

5. Develop and use industry standard for cli-

mate accounts in tenders and BBR

6. Reference targets for CO

7. Procurement rules are scrutinised

Reduce consumption of materials

8. Set CO

targets for all construction work and

renovations

9. Design circular construction with focus on re-

source-demanding building parts and reducing

waste

10. Use LCC-Byg as a calculation tool and em-

ploy existing frameworks for overall econ-

omy

Tools

11. Develop product-specific EDPs, material

passports, digital building passport and EDP

at system level

12. Develop structure and standards for reuse and

flow of material for recycled materials

13. Producers set targets for resource consump-

tion and consider a Product Service System

where feasible

14. LCA-Byg must be further developed into a stand-

ard tool on par with BE15 and include waste in

LCA

15. Strengthen the international standardisation work

Update technical joint property

16. Documentation and traceability of the resource

consumption of the construction are included

in public databases

17. Develop reference buildings

18. Develop a replacement database

19. Update guidelines, lists of examples and

calculation models

20. Change calculation rules for construction

work, i.a. safety coefficients and calculation

of areas.

Financial incentives

Identify how incentives can be created to reduce

embedded CO

in the construction, among other

things

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

5,800,000

tonnes of CO

per year

The building site

Design and

materials

Operation of buildings

Implementation of energy

efficiency measures

The construction industry

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

reduction at

the building site

The CO

free building site is a possibility

Today, there are a number of CO

sinners at the building

sites, i.a., large diesel-powered machines, building

waste, damaged or erroneously ordered materials and die-

sel generators to hot air generators that run continuously

to dehydrate the construction work and render working

conditions acceptable.

With the proper technology, planning and a long haul

towards other habits and collaborative relationships,

we can rid ourselves of the sinners and remove the

vast majority of the CO

emissions from building sites

before 2030.

The majority of the initiatives that we describe are

“known materials”. A number of large businesses

already have good experience from e.g. halving the

fuel consumption in digging machines based on

hybrid technology and reducing the waste of mate-

rials by 50% from the first house until the last house

which is erected.

The good cases show that CO

and economy thrive to-

gether. But there is still a long way to the CO

free

building site.

6 initiatives than can save

850,000

Top 6 initiatives

tonnes CO

per year*

will be implemented from

2021-2030

Price focus and practical barriers

The good examples we have found all stem from large

actors in the construction industry. But the vast majority

of businesses at Danish building sites are businesses that

focus on delivering the ordered construction work on

time, at the agreed price and to the agreed quality. Most

opinions reveal that CO

is not a focus.

The construction market is, to a wide extent, based on

the cheapest price. Proposals that make the work more

difficult without gains in relation to time, price or qual-

ity cannot function without demands from owners, incen-

tives or through legislation, so that all players in the

industry are put on an equal footing.

*the initiatives are based on savings in relation to the current stage.

Electricity is considered CO

neutral in all initiatives.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Challenges can be dealt with, but it does

not happen automatically

It requires a broad range of solutions to as many

challenges to reach the finish line:

•

We must know the emission through CO

accounts

Accounts will require that the industry reach a

common goal. But it requires tools that are easy

to use and more knowledge which we do not

have now. Assisted by CO

accounts, detailed

planning of procedure, materials and logistics

will lower the CO

emissions.

Electricity at building sites

Electricity will convert diesel consumption into

green electricity (or district heating), but that re-

quires that the utility companies become faster at

delivering the necessary supply so that the en-

ergy-intensive dehumidification and heating are

limited.

•

Save and reuse materials

Good for the CO

accounts, but it takes time. The

materials must be dismantled with care and find

new owners. Recycled materials can have changed

properties (e.g. wood does not have the same

strength, or the materials may have absorbed sub-

stances dangerous to the environment or health).

It requires that we know what we are doing and

adapt the legislation.

An end to diesel for construction equipment

Most can already be powered on biodiesel, but bio-

diesel is more expensive. Electricity/battery pow-

ered machines are still in the making, and in many

cases they cannot be delivered yet. There is a trend

for good financial/CO

win-win situations, and in

Denmark we would like to be the showcase.

With the six initiatives, we can reduce the CO

emis-

sions from building sites significantly. The initiatives 1

and 4 are so-called enablers, which do not in them-

selves have any CO

impact, but are basic conditions

for the other measures to be able to have full effect.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Electricity and district heating at the build-

ing site

Electricity supply and district heating at the

building site make it possible to convert ma-

chines and dehumidification into CO

neutral

propellants.

An adequate electricity supply and established district

heating plugs for building sites are no matters of

course when a building site starts. If it were, the en-

ergy consumption could be converted from all types of

machines and from dehumidification and heating into

green energy types.

Therefore, it is suggested that demands are

made for an adequate electricity supply and district

heating (where possible) before the building site

Estimated effect of the initiative

Enablers to other measures

Can be implemented:

2021

commences. The initiative does not cover construction

of e.g. bridges and roads.

That will imply changes to the planning before com-

mencement and propellant requirements for tools and

machines as well as demands on the utility companies for

timely delivery.

free dehumidification and heating

A large share of the energy consumption in the

building process can be CO

free.

In the building process the consumption is what corre-

sponds to two or four years of heating of the subse-

quent construction work. The vast majority of the en-

ergy consumption is used in dehumidification of moist

materials and heating of the construction.

There are good possibilities of obtaining CO

neutral dehumidification and heating by:

•

Demanding heating and dehumidification by

means of electricity or district heating

•

Placing isolated site accommodation in clusters to be

heated with heat pumps

•

Using concrete elements which have been dehu-

midified and concrete types with a smaller water

content

Estimated effect of the initiative

75,000

•

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2021

Covering constructions so that they are not ex-

posed to precipitation thus needing subsequent

dehumidification

Demanding permanent or isolated windows and

doors before dehumidification

Planning dehydration outside the winter season

and close shells in the winter

Create incentives for savings, such as payment of

energy consumption at the building site.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Fossil-free production equipment at the

building site

There is large potential in converting construc-

tion vehicles into fossil-free energy.

Diesel is the primary propellant in the machines at the

building site. By converting to fossil-free propellants,

we can remove both CO

and air pollution.

It is proposed that:

- small machines of less than 75 kW may only

be powered by electricity/battery from 2025

- large machines of more than 75 kW may only be

such as hydrogen, by 2030 at the latest. For a transi-

tional period leading up to 2030, the barriers (price)

for biofuels

must be removed.

That will require a strategy for an implementation of

neutral propellants, including taxes.

* The impact of the initiative constitutes 60% of a total effect at 442,500

tonnes CO

for the three part initiatives concerning machinery as calcu-

lated and detailed by working group 5.

Estimated effect of the initiative

accounts for the building site

accounts for the building site strengthens the

focus on CO

of all parties.

When we know the CO

emissions from a building site,

we can make efforts in the right places, e.g. by re-

ducing orders made in error, ensuring building mate-

rials in due time and location and reusing building

waste in a circular way.

It is suggested that demands are made for CO

ac-

counts for all large building sites.

But doing it is not so easy. The calculation:

for purchased materials ÷ returned goods and (mi-

nus any deductions for materials that can be reused)+

for transportation of materials + CO

for energy

Estimated effect of the initiative

Enabler to other measures

Can be implemented:

2022

consumed at the site including builders’ vehicles ÷ CO

for built-in materials

is not possible today, and will

quickly become a large administrative cost. To get the

most out of the efforts, the CO

accounts should be

closely connected to a life cycle analysis (LCA). In the

long term, targets should be made for the CO

emission of

building sites, and a tool for the calculation of CO

should

be developed.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Less waste from the building site

There is great potential in changing habits and plans

for recycling and reusing more on building sites.

About 7-15% of the total material consumption in

building sites ends up as waste. That contributes to

creating the 4.5 million tonnes of waste per year

from the construction industry.

It is suggested that a better nationwide structure

be established for the reuse of waste so that it be-

comes easy to sort for recycling and promote a circu-

lar economy. In general, more knowledge and experi-

ences are needed if we are going to increase reuse

and recycling of materials in the building industry to

a large extent.

Estimated effect of the initiative

200-600,000

Step-by-step implementation

tonnes CO

per year

Much of the initiative is also about habits such as or-

dering the right quantities and sizes, being more care-

ful with the materials and using the waste better. The

initiative is to a large degree promoted by the CO

ac-

counts.

Optimised planning and layout of the

building site

Better planning reduces CO

emissions at building sites.

Better planning of the layout of the building site and

material flow give rise to a better building procedure

with fewer errors, efficient use of materials and man-

power, a lower CO

footprint, lower costs, better col-

laborative relations and a shorter building period.

It is suggested that the planning is strengthened by:

• ordering “bits and pieces” which you would other-

wise have to drive extra to collect

•

using digital warehouse containers to ensure that the

right building materials are present

•

planning in detail to a larger extent, such as the size

of gypsum boards to get the best use

Estimated effect of the initiative

100,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

from 2021 to 2030

The industry itself can make an effort to improve hab-

its and further incentives so that the one who makes

the planning also gets a share of the profit. Require-

ments for CO

accounts will also be of help.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Other initiatives for CO

reduction at the building site

•

Plan ordering of electricity and district heat-

ing for sites in due time

Convert machines and equipment into fossil-

free fuel or electricity/district heating

Plan site accommodation in clusters and with

heat pumps or district heating

Plan the use of concrete elements (which have

been dehydrated) and concrete types with a

smaller water content

Cover constructions so that they are not ex-

posed to precipitation thus needing subsequent

dehumidification

Plan and install permanent or isolated win-

dows and doors before dehumidification

To the extent possible, try to avoid construc-

tion in the wintertime which requires dehu-

midification. Construction in the winter period

should be made indoors

Participate in establishing frameworks for

accounts for the building site to get the

largest effect with as little trouble as possi-

ble.

•

Incorporate incentives in tenders, such as calcu-

lation methods for saving energy at the building

site. Focus on CO

–

also before it becomes a re-

quirement. There is both CO

and money to ob-

tain. For instance, plan which size of gypsum

boards provides the best use, or order pre-fab-

ricated boards in case of repeated work

Order and spend the required time on planning

of general logistics, such as location of cranes,

access roads and placing of materials

Order and spend the required time on plan-

ning the flow at the building site, including

which materials should be used when

Carry out weekly planning when plans for the

upcoming weeks are matched against materi-

als, and “bits and pieces” are ordered which

you would otherwise drive extra to collect. Or

use digital storage containers at large building

sites; they are getting a foothold now.

•

The utility companies must establish (green)

power supply and district heating (where possible)

at building sites for six to eight weeks. Time: now

For a transitional period, the barriers for

biofuels must be removed

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

5,800,000

tonnes of CO

per year

The civil engineering sector

The building site

Design and

materials

Operation of buildings

Implementation of energy

efficiency measures

The construction industry

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

reduction in the civil

engineering sector

The civil engineering sector uses many energy-inten-

sive materials and large machinery

For the past years, the investment level in the con-

struction market has been about DKK 50 billion includ-

ing municipal road maintenance and the Danish Road

Directorate’s operation and winter services.

The CO

footprint for the civil engineering primarily

comprises two individual areas:

•

The activity at the building site by using mate-

rials and machines

•

Use of the dominating types of material,

asphalt and

concrete.

Therefore, there has been special focus on CO

reductions

in these areas, but of course also contemplation of pro-

cesses, other types of material etc.

Based on the work, a wide range of initiatives have

been identified, which have been boiled down to 17

particularly interesting initiatives.

The condition for the selected initiatives in the civil

engineering sector was that they:

•

would involve larger potential for a reduction

of the carbon footprint

•

could be implemented by 2030.

17 initiatives with an estimated potential of

683,000

Top 5 initiatives

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

New production equipment is being de-

veloped so that it will be emission-free

during the 2020s.

Transition to electric vehicles on the

roads

The majority of the civil engineering

sector’s fleet of vehicles can be

pow-

ered by electricity in 2030.

What is the civil engineering sector?

The civil engineering sector performs construc-

tion work including motorway bridges, port facil-

ities, pumping stations, road systems, surfacing,

draining, supply plants and special products.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

The possibilities of the industry

Common visions

Large parts of the CO

emissions of the construction

work stems from the use of concrete. Therefore, cli-

mate partnerships have worked together with the

concrete industry, and its vision about a 50% CO

re-

duction from 2019 to 2030 is fully consistent with the

vision of the civil engineering sector.

Machines and equipment.

With contributions from all the significant actors

(owners, contractors, advisers and lessors of machin-

ery), the industry has fine opportunities of activating

the potential of CO

reductions from the use of mate-

rials and machinery at the building site.

Of course, it is very obvious that conventional diesel-

driven machines are not used. Electrically powered ma-

chinery is the target, but it requires replacement of the

equipment, and as regards the largest machines the con-

version to electricity will entail considerable develop-

ment work, which is not likely to take place within a

short time horizon. In a transitional period the use of

biofuel can reduce the carbon footprint considerably.

Most diesel-powered machines can be converted to

use biofuel without significant changes.

Types of material.

When the construction work is so material-intensive, it is

of great importance that the producers of materials, in

particular within concrete and asphalt, continue to im-

prove production methods and develop more climate-

friendly materials.

Digital tools and design.

However, it is not solely technical changes of the machines

with conversion to more climate-friendly propellants that

involve interesting potential of CO

reductions.

The use of digital tools and models in connection with

design and performance of construction work has

considerable possibilities of optimising the projects

so that the construction work is minimised, and ma-

chines can perform the works with much less hour

consumption and consequently a smaller carbon foot-

print.

The influence of the civil engineering

sector in other areas

Initiatives in the civil engineering sector with a mod-

est impact on the direct carbon footprint can have a

large effect on other areas. The transition to climate-

friendly asphalt not only has a positive effect in the

civil engineering sector, but also for the cars that are

driving on the roads, because lower rolling friction

gives less fuel consumption and thus a smaller CO

emission.

Another example is climate proofing, because care-

fully prepared construction work for protection

against floods can be performed at a much lower CO

footprint than the carbon footprint connected with

dehumidification, renovation, demolition and rebuild-

ing of houses and construction work after the many

more and more dramatic floods which are also ex-

pected in the years to come.

Legislation, barriers and incentives

The construction industry has considerable possibili-

ties, by means of new processes, of improvement of

materials and use of digital tools to reduce the car-

bon footprint. However, in some areas there may be

a need to create incentives, make demands or create

the necessary framework conditions.

Thus, there will be a need that public and private

owners base the projects on, and make demands for

the use of digital solutions and other CO

reducing

processes. The requirements can be supplemented

so that it becomes mandatory to prepare CO

ac-

counts and a low carbon footprint will have a vital

importance for granting the assignments.

Among the framework conditions, it is important that

no requirements are made for use for machines that

are powered by biofuel or electricity, without:

•

an investment possibility being provided

•

the necessary biofuel being available

•

the necessary charging points being established.

It will therefore be necessary that political decisions

ensure the availability of CO

friendly energy and per-

haps through fiscal legislation promote conversion into

electricity as a propellant.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Fossil fuel and emission-free plant machinery

New machines are developed so that the pro-

duction equipment can be emission-free during

the 2020s.

In the transition period to electricity, alternative pro-

pellants are used such as biogas. There will be a need

to adapt taxes, create security of supply of bio pro-

pellants and improve charging points.

The development must be driven by require-

ments, at first for the four environmental zone

cities, and later by requirements in tender mate-

rial from the state and municipalities for fossil-

free and emission-free construction work.

In addition, there must be focus on user conduct.

Estimated effect of the initiative

177,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

on the construction sites and mandatory train-

ing of machine operators will reduce the fuel con-

sumption of the machinery.

It will further the development if the environmental

zone legislation in Denmark will

comprise EU’s stage

norms for construction machinery.

Transition to electric vehicles on the roads

Most of the car fleet of the construction industry

can be converted into electrically powered vehicles

with the existing technology.

The large car fleet of the construction industry (per-

sonnel carriers, platform trucks and ordinary cars) are

driven by diesel and petrol to a large degree. A transi-

tion to electrically powered vehicles can give rise to

considerable reductions in the emission of greenhouse

gases.

The conversion can be made on an ongoing basis in

line with the replacement of the car fleet, and that

there will also be more and more choices for electri-

cally powered vehicles.

The gradual replacement of the car fleet can be

made on an ongoing basis from 2021 and be con-

Estimated effect of the initiative

162,000

Can be implemented

2030

tonnes CO

per year

cluded in 2030 when the technological development

is expected to render it possible to also convert the

largest vehicles to the effect that all diesel and pet-

rol-powered vehicles will be phased out.

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Use new types of cement with a

smaller contents of cement clinkers

New alternative materials for replacement of ce-

ment clinkers can reduce the carbon footprint in the

production of cement by 30%

The production of cement for concrete constitutes

about 90% of the total CO

emission of the concrete.

The CO

emission from the production of cement

stems both from the energy consumption for heat-

ing of the ovens and from the chemical process that

takes place when chalk is heated and transformed

into cement clinkers.

Aalborg Portland A/S develops new alternative ma-

terials that can replace about 30% of the cement clink-

ers. The materials are produced at lower

temperatures,

Estimated effect of the initiative

146,000

Can be implemented:

2030

tonnes CO

per year

so that the total CO

footprint is reduced by 30%.

The new cement type is covered by the European

cement standard, but it has not yet been approved

by Danish concrete standards or road regulations.

Climate-friendly asphalt

Climate-friendly asphalt (KVS) reduces the rolling

friction of the road and hence reduces the CO

emission from the road traffic due to savings of the

quantity of fuel.

It is suggested to use climate-friendly asphalt (KVS) in

both the national road network and the municipal

‘high-class’ roads which can be done without relaxing

traffic security or the durability of the surfacing.

On the part of the politicians, there is a need for

acceptance of an increased budget for construction of

roads by the use of climate-friendly asphalt. By con-

trast, already from day no. 1, savings are obtained in

the consumption of fuel and the CO

emissions.

Estimated effect of the initiative

57,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

KVS also has a longer expected useful life than standard

asphalt, which in the long term will lead to further CO

savings and savings for maintaining and replacing as-

phalt.

After 2030, the savings potential is expected to be

even larger.

Digital solutions

More technologies that can contribute to a lower CO

footprint will gain ground within the next three to

five years, and can constitute 30-40% of the produc-

tion before 2030.

This applies to i.a.

robots

and

Additive Manufacturing,

which can build items layer by layer. In 2030, efficient

use of robots and Additive Manufacturing can poten-

tially reduce the material consumption by about 30

%, reduce waste from 8% to 2% and reduce transporta-

tion by more than 40%. There is also potential in

digi-

tal twins,

virtual mirroring of physical assets that

Estimated effect of the initiative

50,000

tonnes CO

per year

Can be implemented:

2030

collect data to optimise use and operation. Cases from

the construction industry and off-shore indicate that

digital twins can save 5% of the costs of construction

and the consumption of materials and 10% of energy and

resource consumption in operations.

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Other initiatives for CO

reduction in the civil engineering sector

1. Use less cement in concrete for construction

work

2. Use new types of cement with fewer cement

clinkers

3. Use electrically-powered machinery in the con-

crete industry

4. Use climate-friendly asphalt

Production of ‘green’ asphalt and cold-mix

as-

phalt

6. Longer useful lives of asphalt as a result of

less digging and better restorations

7. Other selection of materials and types (steel,

glass fibre, wood)

8. Change of norms and calculation models with

focus on the climate

9. Design optimisation, reduction of quantities

10. Fossil and emission-free construction machines

in 2030, strategic replacement of the produc-

tion equipment

11. Alternative propellants, fuel

12.

“Sharing economy perspective” and “Full use

of the capacity of machines: weighing and

height /yaw break system”

13. Optimised internal logistics and freight

14. Robots, Additive Manufacturing and digital

twins

15. Efficient machines and machine control

16. Climate proofing, avoidance of risks

17. Transition to electric vehicles on the roads

10. Approval in standards and road regulations of

new types of cement

The construction indus-

try

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

Participants in the five work-

ing groups

Implementation of energy efficiency measures in

existing buildings

•

Chairman: Senior Vice President Henrik Frank Nielsen, Rock-

wool

Research Manager Søren Aggerholm, SBi / AAU

Vice Chairman Niels Braaby, Blik & Rør

Senior Adviser Søren Dyck-Madsen, Concito

Lene Espersen, Managing Director, Danske Arkitektvirksomhe-

der

Manager Peter Grønlund, DOVISTA A/S

Master-carpenter Peter Holm, Holm Tømrer- og Snedkerfirma

Partner Niels Jakubiak, Krydsrum arkitekter

Senior Advisor Public Aﬀairs, Susanne Kuehn, Rockwool

Energy Planner Marie-Louise Lemgart, Høje Taastrup

Municipality

Manager Henrik Lindved Bang, Bygherreforeningen (Danish

Association of Construction Clients)

Chief Economist Solveig Råberg Tingey, BL

Managing Director Henrik Mielke, Enemærke & Petersen

Group Competence Manager of Energy Design & Climate

Steffen E. Maagaard, MOE

Expertise Manager of indoor climate, energy and sustaina-

bility Peter Noye, NIRAS

Manager of Property Financing, Peter Jayaswal, Finans Dan-

mark

Secretariat: Dansk Industri (Confederation of Danish Industry)

•

Design and the CO

content of materials in buildings

Chairman: VP Global Stakeholder Communications & Sustaina-

bility Ingrid Reumert, VELUX A/S

Sustainability Manager Anna-Mette Monnelly, NCC Danmark

Partner, Architect MAA, Ph.D. Jan Schipull Kauschen,

Vandkunsten Architects

Managing Director Jesper Knudsen, ELCON

Group Competency Manager | Sustainability Karoline Geneser,

MOE A/S

Technical Manager,

Lau Raﬀnsøe, Green Building Council Denmark

Building and Development Manager Lone Zeeberg Nielsen, fsb

Morten Chrone, Group COO, HusCompagniet A/S

Managing Ddirector Peter Thorning, Fiberline A/S

Senior Political Advisor Kurt Emil Eriksen, Velux A/S

Director Global Public Aﬀairs, Pia Désirée Loft, Velux A/S

Secretarial Assistance: Dansk Industri (Confederation of Danish Industry)

reduction at the building site

•

Chairman: Ib Enevoldsen, Managing Director, Rambøll Danmark A/S

(FRI)

Project Manager Abildgaard, City of Copenhagen

Senior Rresearcher Harpa Birgisdóttir, SBI

Political-Financial Consultant Sidse Buch, BAT-Kartellet

Managing Director Henrik Garver, FRI

Managing Director Mette Glavind, the Danish Technological Institute

Manager of Public Aﬀairs Klaus Birk, Saint-Gobain

Denmark A/S

Plant and Logistics Manager Torben Pedersen, Per Aarsleff A/S

Machine Aadministrator Bo Mikkelsen, Per Aarsleﬀ A/S

Managing Director Johnny Hey, Bravida

Managing Director Christian B. Lund, Sanistål

Managing Director Mogens Nielsen, Saint-Gobain

Associate Partner Michael Schytt Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen

Manager Niels Techen, Helmer Christiansen

Section Manager Jens Thamdrup, NCC

Secretariat: FRI

reduction from operation of buildings

•

Chairman: Managing director, Peter Kaas Hammer, Kemp & Lau-

ritzen

Development Manager Lars Andersen, NCC

Vice President, Application and Technology Atli Benonys-

son, Danfoss Heating

Managing Director Mogens Brusgaard, Wexøe

Managing Director Jens Frost Mikkelsen, Intego

Department Manager, HWS, Ventilation & CTS Lars Hede-

gaard Jepsen, Rambøll

Managing Director Brian Ludvigsen, Wicotec Kirkebjerg

Technical Consultant Martin Mortensen, Dansk Elforbund

Manager of Properties Marius Møller, Pension Danmark

Vice Manager Signe Primdal Lyndrup, Bygningsstyrelsen (The

Danish Building and Property Agency)

Owner and Managing Director Michael Søgaard Rasmus-

sen, Spangenberg & Madsen

Project Manager and Editor of white paper on operation

of buildings, Graves Simonsen, Bygherreforeningen

Partner and Architect Søren Riis Dietz, BJERG arkitektur

Unit Manager Heine Knudsen, Region Hovedstaden (Region H)

Secretariat: TEKNIQ Arbejdsgiverne

reduction in the civil engineering sector

•

Michael S. Larsen, Managing Director, CG Jensen A/S (chairman)

Head of Department Anders Høgdal Larsen, Rambøll Dan-

mark A/S

Marketing Manager Anne Cecilie Lysbo, GSV Materielud-

lejning A/S

Industry Manager Dorthe Mathiesen, Dansk Byggeri/Dansk

Beton

Construction Manager Erik Stoklund Larsen, the Danish Road Directorate

Center Manager Henriette Hall-Andersen, Center for

Anlæg og Byfornyelse, City of Copenhagen

CEO and Partner Niels W. Falk, HD Lab

Market Manager Poul-Erik Olsen, Barslund A/S

Secretarial Assistance: Dansk Byggeri

Editors: Michael H. Nielsen, Torben Liborius,

Andreas Weidinger and Henrik Teglgaard Lund,

Dansk Byggeri (the Danish Construction Association). Revised on 17 March

2020

Graphic design and text editing: Viegand Maagøe A/S

Print: Jørn Thomsen Elbo A/S

Photos: iStock, Colourbox, Shutterstock and the parties behind the cli-

mate partnership of the construction industry

Translation and lay-out of the English version of the report

have been conducted by BAT-Kartellet

KEF, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 393: Henvendelse af 3/8-20 fra Dansk Byggeri om Klimapartnerskabernes anbefalinger

40%

of Denmark’s energy con-

sumption is used in build-

ings

35%

of all waste stems from the con-

struction industry

20%

of Denmark’s CO

emission

stems from the energy con-

sumption in our buildings

10%

of Denmark’s CO

emission

stems from the building and

construction process and

the production of building

materials

The construction industry