Energy efficiency – do you realize the potential?

Against the background of needless energy waste and climate change linked to rising atmospheric CO2 levels, the need for improved energy efficiency has swung into focus on the global agenda.

Energy saving
In Denmark, prevention of energy waste in households has long been a focus area, and successive governments have introduced a range of energy saving policy initiatives together with building regulations designed to help householders reduce energy consumption (and thus energy bills) and minimise the environmental impact.
 
A tightened building code, including stipulations on insulation and tighter-sealing doors and windows lowered Denmark’s heating bill by 20% between 1975 and 2001, even though 30% more heated floor space was built in that period.

Energy rating
The energy rating of buildings in Denmark developed out of these initiatives, and schemes now in force are seen as an important way to achieve energy savings in buildings – both existing and new.

In the mid-1990s the Danish government began focusing on the energy efficiency of domestic appliances, and introduced both retailer and consumer incentives to encourage their uptake. Today, many appliances sold must carry a label which rates energy efficiency according to a graded scale based on EU rules.

Saving water
Another focus area for improved efficiency is water use. An array of measures like new and more efficient installations, water savings campaigns and greater awareness of the environment among consumers resulted in 26% reduction in the period 1989-2001.

Nordic knowledge
Being situated in northern latitudes, Denmark is well accustomed to the challenges of relatively cold winters and has developed considerable know-how in building homes that can be heated in highly energy- efficient and cost-saving ways.

Not surprisingly, Danish companies can be found among the world leaders in insulation materials for roofs, walls and floors, energy monitoring and thermostat control systems, as well as solar panels, small wind turbines and – looking ahead to a possible future Hydrogen Society – domestic combined heat and power generators driven by zero-CO2 emission fuel cells.

Sustainable solutions
With the increasing demand among the world’s nations for carbon-neutral architecture and building materials, Danish architects and companies are featuring prominently at international trade fairs focusing on sustainable building solutions.

In Denmark, it has since 2005 been possible to buy various types of housing accredited with the Swan-labelled, the environmental symbol introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers to show that the product is a good environmental choice.


Related Case: Swan-labelled Housing
On a plot of ground in the town of Herfølge south of Copenhagen, a total of up to 80 “Swan” eco-labelled houses are being built.