Denmark and NYS: Collaboration in Building Decarbonization
Designing and promoting energy-efficient solutions for existing buildings has been very important for Denmark regions such as Copenhagen and New York State. Both places have focused on expanding the district heating network, replacing old oil or gas heating systems with electric heat pumps. This technology adoption ensures that new buildings construction are as energy-efficient, net-zero as possible while increases the pace of existing buildings deep retrofits.
Denmark's Climate Goals:
In 2020, the Danish government decided and committed to one of the world most ambitious climate goals to reduce 70% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Building construction and usage account for around 40% of Denmark total energy consumption by sector and nearly 30% of their CO2 emissions. The Danish government has also formed 14 climate partnerships representing various sectors of the country's economy. The partnerships proposals for energy improvements, if executed by 2030, have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 729,000 tonnes per year established by the National Strategy for Sustainable Construction in 2021.
Danish building retrofits, building energy disclosures, and certifications:
Renting out or selling a domestic property without energy performance certification (EPC) is against Denmark's law. The certificate offers an energy grade in a range of A (high energy efficiency) to G (poor energy efficiency) and includes cost-effective steps for enhancing the building's energy performance and savings potential associated with the actions. They made the process easier for homeowners to grasp and fund, and as result, this has led to a significant increase in the number of EPC generated each year, around 68,000 energy labels were issued in 2020, and that number is expected to rise to nearly 81,000 in 2021.
Danish new construction codes & standards:
Building new structures in Denmark is subject to a stringent building standard known as The Danish Building Code, BR18. This is one of the most important policy tools for achieving energy savings and performance requirements of large building modifications. The Building Code guarantees that energy savings are executed when it is economically possible for the owners. Instead of requiring heat savings by re-insulating each building element, with corresponding cost-effective estimates, the energy performance framework allows developers to use various methods that reduce the building's energy demand to sustainable levels.
As you may be aware, New York State has been replicating some of the Denmark building sustainability approaches with implementation of its clean energy initiative. NYS clean energy action plan on buildings calls for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy.
Please contact STRATCO to learn more about how NYS has adopted other leading policies for implementing a clean energy on the built environment, and how your asset could benefit from our energy-related services and funding incentives.
Thank you,
Eimear Traynor
et@stratcoproperty.com
516-428-8474
