Home › Denmark

Denmark

Current Codes

Danish Building Regulations (BR-08), Section 7
EU EPBD 2002/91/EC Mandatory
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Expand All

Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process
Code Implementation Requirements: 

Every 5 years

Challenges & Barriers: 

2010

History: 

In 2005, Denmark released the Energy Strategy 2025, which addressed the fluctuating energy markets and competition, as well as their responsibility to international climate obligations.  Then in 2006, Danish government complied the EPBD by establishing new legislation, primarly focused on decreasing the amount of energy used for heating.  This set a requirment for the maximum amount of oil that can be used at 5.5 litres of oil/square meter, a drop from 14 from the previous year.  It also set milestones for 2010 and 2015, which could change as the plan updates.  It also tightened demands for energy reduction, and solidifed the method of verifying energy certification.  In 2007, the Energy Strategy 2025 was updated with energy goals for 2025, some of which include: renewable enrgy use must increase 30%, fossil fuel use must decrease 15%, energy savings initiative will increase 1.25% annualy.  All energy codes are managed under Section 7 of the Danish Building Regulations, last updated in 2008.

Compliance Verification: 

All new buildings in Denmark are requried to comply with the new regulations to meet the EPBD.  Existing buildings going under major rennovations must also comply with the regulations.  All buildings will be issued energy certifciates, which are valid for up to five years.

Economic Indicators
Government Type: 

Constitutional Monarchy

Climate Zone: 

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Population: 

5,500,510 (July 2009 est.)

Unemployment Rate: 

1.9% (2008 est.)

Construction Activity: 

Total Private Households: 2,398,000, 3.7 Rooms per dwelling, 108.9 square meters per dwelling                                            
          o One Occupant: 37%      
          o Two Occupants: 34%     
          o Three Occupants: 13%      
          o Four Occupants: 12%     
          o Five or More Occupants: 4%                     

(2002 - Housing Statistics in the European Union - Department of Housing of the Direction General of Planning, Housing and Heritage)

GDP Per Capita: 

$37,100 (2008 est.)

Projected GDP Growth: 

-1.2% (2008 est.)

Industrial Production Growth: 

-3% (2008 est.)

Primary Exports: 

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Primary Imports: 

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Local Resources: 

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand

Energy Data
Primary Energy Source: 

Coal: 46% (2004)

Energy Consumption: 

1.22 Quadrillion BTU (2006)

Energy Snapshot: 

Denmark has been self reliant on energy since 1999, with significant oil and gas production in the North Sea, and is a net exporter of energy. Denmark is the second largest producer of oil in the EU and oil plays an important role in the energy mix. Natural gas and renewable sources have been gradually replacing solid fuels and oil in primary energy supply. However, imported coal is still the most important fuel in electricity generation. Renewable energy has experienced a significant growth and shares in energy and electricity mix are above EU averages. Transport and households are the most energy-consuming sectors.

Source: 2007 Energy Mix Fact Sheet

Renewable Trends: 

Due to an average growth of 71% per year, Danish offshore wind capacity remains the highest per capita in Europe (400 MW in total in 2006). Denmark is at present close to reaching its RES-E target for 2010. Two new offshore installations, each of 200 MW, are under preparation. RES other than offshore wind are slowly but steadily penetrating the market supported by a wide array of measures such as a new re powering scheme for onshore wind.

With an increase from 8.7% RES-E in 1997 to 26.30% in 2004, Denmark is nearing its target of 29% RES-E of gross electricity consumption in 2010.

Source: 2007 EU Renewable Energy Fact Sheet

Climate Concerns
CO2 Emissions: 

59.13 MMT CO2 (2006)

Other Facts: 

Denmark demonstrates the lowest energy intensity among EU Member States, although due to the high presence of fossil fuels in the energy mix, CO2 per capita production and intensity are significantly higher than the EU average.

Source: 2007 Energy Mix Fact Sheet

Green Building Initiatives

National Environmental Milestones and Strategies:
Energy Strategy 2025, 2005
Agreement on Energy Savings, 2008

Mandatory, Up-to-Date Building Energy Code:
2008 Danish Building Regulations, Section 7
Section 7 of the Danish Building Regulations covers energy efficiency standards for all building elements, mandatory for all new construction.

Strengthening National Policies:
2008 Agreement on Energy Savings
Denmark's 2008 Agreement on Energy Savings, as well as numerous other national policies, have set the framework for efficiency.  They set goals and quotas for energy use, and empower further updates to its building code.

Based on the current status of building energy codes and policies, as well as potential for energy efficiency, BCAP recommends the following actions.  Also noted are states or countries that successfully employ the suggested action, and may be used as a model.  These suggestions are meant only to show opportunities for energy efficiency.  Please contact BCAP for more information or assistance.

Economic Incentives for Efficiency:
Offering economic incentives for efficiecny is a great way to get existing buildings in Denmark to meet code.  This will create even greater energy savings and further secure Denmark's energy independence.

Model Country:
Australia
Australia's Green Loans program provides no-interest loans of up to $10,000 for homeowners to make recommended changes based on a free efficiency assessment.  This is a great way to encourage residents to make money- and energy-saving updates to their homes.

X
You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address.
The password field is case sensitive.
Loading