Our path to DGNB Gold
Our work with DGNB is a long-term and comprehensive effort that creates lasting value for the environment and the companies in the science park. At the same time, it reflects the dedication and sense of responsibility that characterizes DTU Science Park.
It’s important to us that DTU Science Park is pursuing DGNB certification and taking on such a significant responsibility. I believe there are future initiatives where we could greatly benefit from working together—for example, waste management, traffic safety, the circular economy, and mobility. I expect the area to become even more attractive to future talented employees—something we rely heavily on.
Louise Krüger Kofoed
Sustainability Director, ALK
Where we are in the process
- The DGNB project was initiated in 2021 and covers the urban area of DTU Science Park in Hørsholm.
- In February 2024, we reached our first significant milestone by obtaining the DGNB precertification.
- The next step is the Midway Certification, which we expect to obtain by the end of 2025.
- We are working towards achieving the final DGNB Gold Certification by the end of 2026
- Ramboll audits the process and ensures that all documentation and certification comply with the DGNB standard.
- The Green Building Council Denmark issues the certification.
The five key areas of DGNB
The DGNB certification is a recognized sustainability standard that systematically assesses buildings and urban areas based on 27 criteria across five key areas:
- Process quality
- Environmental quality
- Economic quality
- Technical quality
- Socio-cultural quality
The certification encompasses more than 400 sustainability topics, including waste management, reuse and recycling, mobility, energy infrastructure, and biodiversity. The goal is to create future-proof, sustainable environments that not only contribute to a greener world but also enhance business quality and deliver value to investors and society.
In this article, we take a closer look at the five core DGNB focus areas and how they create direct value for companies located in DTU Science Park.
The value of DGNB for our companies
Process Quality
The focus on process quality is about strengthening planning and collaboration while ensuring high standards in construction and operations across the area. This applies when DTU Science Park undertakes renovations or makes improvements to the site.
With a heightened focus on the construction process – from planning and stakeholder involvement to completion – and through thorough documentation, we ensure an efficient, transparent, and responsible process. It supports the long-term value, quality, and user satisfaction of buildings and the area.
How this creates value for the companies in DTU Science Park:
Customer involvement
Where relevant, we involve our customers – for example, when constructing new buildings, carrying out major renovations, or developing the surrounding area. It ensures that facilities match their needs and support their growth and development.
ESG reporting data
We can provide key data on waste, energy consumption, CO₂ reduction initiatives, and biodiversity. Our customers use this data in their ESG reporting. As such, the DGNB efforts and data support their positioning with investors, partners, and future talent.
Supporting sustainability goals
We strongly emphasise protecting plants, insects, and wildlife during construction and renovation projects. This includes installing amphibian fences, ensuring safe access routes, reducing noise, pollution, and dust, and minimizing waste. For our tenants, this means working in an area where people, nature, and the environment are prioritized—supporting their sustainability goals and contributing to employee well-being.
The executive leadership at DTU Science Park has made a clear and committed decision: we want to drive meaningful change that benefits both the environment and people. The initiatives we pursue must be well-considered and sustainable over the long term. We aim to lead the way, test new solutions, and demonstrate how business districts can actively contribute to a better future. The DGNB certification is a powerful tool that keeps us focused and accountable. At the same time, it reflects our ambition to enhance the area’s overall attractiveness through its surroundings, buildings, and the unique community of deep tech companies that is a part of DTU Science Park.
Henriette Hansen
Sustainability Manager, DTU Science Park
Environmental Quality
This area focuses on minimizing environmental impact. Efforts include reducing resource consumption, conducting life cycle assessments, cutting CO₂ emissions, optimizing water cycles and usage, efficient land use, and protecting biodiversity.
At DTU Science Park, this work has already led to biodiversity mapping, species registration, clear planting strategies, tree reuse—for example, insect hotels or woodpecker trees—and the planning of local rainwater management systems.
How this creates value for the companies in DTU Science Park:
Climate protection
Local water and planting solutions reduce the risk of water ingress, better-protecting buildings and company assets from weather-related damage.
Strong first impressions
A business address in a green and well-maintained area leaves a positive first impression on clients and partners.
Key figures for ESG reporting
Companies can access data on local biodiversity factors – such as planting percentages and surface types – and water management metrics, which they can integrate into their ESG reporting.
Recreation and biodiversity
Creating natural habitats and additional rainwater collection areas enhances biodiversity and provides green recreational spaces for employees.
Sensory experiences
Sensory design elements in the area contribute to a positive work environment and employee well-being – supporting activities like Walk 'n' Talks, outdoor meetings, and exercise.
When companies visit our properties for the first time, we always mention our sustainability efforts. But what often happens is that once they move in, they realize that what they initially thought was just a sales pitch is actually how we operate in practice.
Sine Gammelgaard-Schmidt
Managing Head of Lettings, DTU Science Park
Economic Quality
Economic quality focuses on evaluating and enhancing the long-term economic sustainability of the business area. It includes efficient land use, flexibility in buildings and infrastructure, and the area’s ability to maintain financial stability, ensuring it remains attractive for future generations of employees.
We actively address this dimension—for instance, in construction projects where we prioritize long-lasting and flexible solutions through careful material choices and building design. A good example is the upcoming DGNB Gold-certified laboratory building in the Science Park, expected to be completed in 2027.
We also collaborate with the municipality and the Capital Region to ensure the area remains stable and attractive, working on improvements in accessibility, public transportation, and shared mobility solutions.
How this creates value for the companies in DTU Science Park:
Financially stable area
We proactively secure climate resilience and maintain a diverse tenant mix to minimize customer risk. Through strategic portfolio management, we ensure the area remains dynamic and avoids vacancy.
A community that encourages collaboration
Companies in DTU Science Park have direct access to a strong network and collaboration opportunities right outside their doors. This makes it easier to initiate new research and business partnerships while also reinforcing the long-term sustainability and vitality of the Science Park itself.
Socio-Cultural Quality
Socio-cultural quality is about creating healthy and inclusive environments throughout the business area. It includes safety in public spaces, culture and aesthetics, accessibility, and high-quality indoor building environments.
At DTU Science Park, we take a strategic approach to community-building, strongly focusing on People & Culture. It includes facilitating collaboration between companies, offering recruitment support, hosting networking events and workshops, and running talent attraction initiatives and mentorship programs.
How this creates value for the companies in DTU Science Park:
Aesthetic and sensory experiences
Our gardeners ensure that art, greenery, colours, and scents create a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere all year round. It makes the park an attractive place to spend time—both during and outside of working hours—and supports employees’ sense of belonging, well-being, and mental health.
Recreation and physical activity
DTU Science Park is located in a scenic area actively used by tenants and neighbours for recreation, exercise, and nature experiences. The area includes over 600 nesting boxes for birds, swifts, and owls, two padel courts, seating areas for meetings or quiet moments, and well-maintained running trails.
Cultural events and activities
By flexibly using our facilities, we can offer spaces that support day-to-day operations and events, workshops, and cultural gatherings.
Optimal indoor climate
We work systematically to create healthy and comfortable indoor environments, which can contribute to greater employee well-being and reduced sick leave.
Safety and accessibility
We continuously improve our outdoor areas with inviting seating zones, interconnected pathways, and optimized lighting to create safe and welcoming spaces—both during the day and after dark.
Technical Quality
The technical quality encompasses the physical structures that support the daily operations of the science park – from energy supply and infrastructure to resource and waste management, as well as digital infrastructure.
At DTU Science Park, we actively work to create better, more varied, and flexible mobility, minimize waste through resource recycling, and optimize energy infrastructure.
How this creates value for the companies in DTU Science Park:
Mobility solutions
We are constantly working to create comfortable gathering spaces, interconnected pathways, and optimized lighting in the park to ensure safe and pleasant outdoor areas – both day and evening.
Energy optimization
Our multi-tenant buildings are being equipped with digital energy management, which we expect will reduce overall energy costs. Additionally, tenants will have the opportunity to monitor their energy consumption remotely, providing better visibility and supporting resource efficiency.
Circular resource loops
We are working on implementing solutions that allow our customers to reuse each other's furniture, machines, and equipment and recycle building materials. Moreover, we have established an expanded waste solution that enables customers to sort into seven categories beyond the mandatory requirements.
