A new milestone on the path to becoming Denmark’s first DGNB Gold-certified business district
The Midway Certification marks that a wide range of plans and initiatives have now been turned into concrete results. It is both an important step towards Gold Certification and proof that the DGNB work continuously raises the bar for DTU Science Park as a business district.
I am very proud that we have been bold enough to choose a certification system that embraces such a broad scope
Henriette Hansen
Sustainability Manager at DTU Science Park
From PLAN to Midway Certification
In March 2024, DTU Science Park achieved the PLAN Certification, the first step in the process of obtaining DGNB certification for business districts. At that time, a significant share of the points awarded was based on declarations of intent: projects that were planned but not yet executed.
With the Midway Certification, DTU Science Park must now demonstrate that these plans have been implemented. Approximately 45 percent of the declarations of intent have already been completed, while the rest are in progress.
” The overarching goal of the DGNB work is to secure a business district that can exist for generations to come – even 200 years from now – by establishing solid policies, requirements, processes, collaborations, and relationships,” explains Henriette Hansen.
Examples of concrete sustainability initiatives
The DGNB efforts cover a wide range, from large strategic projects to smaller initiatives that, for example, strengthen biodiversity and well-being:
- The Giant Insect Hotel: The large insect hotel is built from trunks, roots, and branches of trees that previously grew in the area, giving them new life as a habitat for insects.
- The LAR system: a facility for local rainwater management, strategically placed and built using natural materials.
- Biodiversity: a biodiversity action plan with 19 measures, including the placement of stones as animal habitats and birdhouses for endangered species.
- Seed Harvest: companies and employees collect seeds from local trees and plants, strengthening both biodiversity and community.
- Establishment of a test mobility hub: featuring three different providers of shared vehicles (electric cars and e-bikes), making it easier to choose sustainable transport in everyday life.
The insect hotel is about 45 meters long, 15 meters wide, and three meters high. Most of the material consists of Nordmann fir, while the rest is birch and cherry. Read more here.
Long-term initiatives
Behind the visible projects lies a series of more extensive and technical efforts:
- Collaboration with Rudersdal Municipality and the Capital Region of Denmark on improved public infrastructure.
- New internal policies: a Code of Conduct, procurement policy, and the first voluntary ESG reporting.
” When working with DGNB, some initiatives are very visible, like an insect hotel, while others may not appear significant but require major adjustments to routines and collaborations. What they all have in common is that they raise our standards and involve many people,” says Henriette Hansen.
Next step towards DGNB Gold Certification
In the coming months, the Green Building Council Denmark will review the documentation and ask critical questions. The process is expected to result in the awarding of the Midway Certification plaque by the end of the year. After that comes the final phase: the full DGNB Gold Certification of the business district.
The Midway Certification is therefore not only a milestone for DTU Science Park but also a framework for continued development. The goal is a business district that is attractive for current companies and their employees, strengthens recruitment opportunities, and attracts new companies to DTU Science Park.
What does DGNB certification mean for companies in DTU Science Park?
The Midway Certification is not only important for DTU Science Park as an organization, it also creates direct value for the more than 130 companies located in the Hørsholm campus:
- Documentation for ESG reporting: Access to concrete data on energy, waste, biodiversity factors, and mobility, which can be used in reporting to investors, clients, and authorities.
- Increased attractiveness: An address in a DGNB-certified business district signals responsibility and future-proofing – something that helps attract new employees, partners, and investors.
- A better everyday environment: From biodiversity and recreational areas to mobility solutions and social meeting places that foster well-being, innovation, and networking.
- A long-term commitment: DGNB certification is not a one-off project but a framework ensuring continuous development and long-term relevance.
The Midway Certification is therefore both a milestone and a promise: that companies in DTU Science Park are part of a business district that is constantly evolving. It means better conditions for innovation, a stronger brand for investors and talent, and an address that will continue to stand for quality, responsibility, and future readiness.
