New publication on energy renovation of buildings

Building renovation is essential to achieving a climate-neutral society. Get inspiration on how to unlock the untapped potential of the built environment through energy-efficient solutions, strategic policies and public-private collaboration, in our newly updated white paper.

By State of Green | [email protected]

21 May 2025

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Discover how Denmark is making building renovation a driver of climate action, energy efficiency and inclusive growth – at home and globally.

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With building renovation high on the EU agenda and energy prices continuing to fluctuate, State of Green is proud to present an updated edition of the white paper: Building renovation – Realising the untapped potential of the built environment.

The publication outlines how Denmark is making energy renovation a cornerstone of the green transition – by combining strong regulation, digital tools and targeted incentives with innovative industry solutions. From electrifying heating systems to improving insulation and integrating smart controls, the white paper provides concrete examples of how Denmark is transforming its existing building stock.

Why optimising our buildings matters

Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of global energy use and over a third of greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe, most buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built, making renovation critical to meeting both climate and energy security targets.

Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce emissions, lower energy bills and create healthier indoor environments. In this white paper, we highlight how a holistic approach to building renovation can support climate goals while strengthening resilience and well-being.

This white paper explores how Denmark is addressing this challenge through:

National renovation strategies and building codes
Digital energy labelling and smart meter data
Innovative public-private partnerships
Financing models for both private homes and public buildings
Case examples from municipalities and industry leaders

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By the early 2010s, Industriens Hus—headquarters of the Confederation of Danish Industry—no longer met modern standards for sustainability, space, or urban integration. Originally built in the 1970s, the building had become too small and visually outdated, with a heavy concrete façade that stood in

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Housing area reduces heat consumption by 27 percent

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In 2007, the Danish city of Sønderborg set an ambitious goal to making the entire area’s energy system carbon-neutral by 2029 – with a strong focus on reducing energy consumption. Knowing than more than 25 percent of all global energy-related emissions come from buildings, the citizens and housing a

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Fostering circularity: Recycling fire-safe stone wool in France

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The construction industry consumes roughly half of virgin resources globally and accounts for nearly 40% of the world’s solid waste streams. This makes it a key sector when it comes to waste reduction and keeping materials in use for as long as possible and at their highest value. For SMAC, circul

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About the white paper

Building renovation – Realising the untapped potential of the built environment features contributions from key stakeholders across the Danish ecosystem, including the Danish Energy Agency, Danish Construction Federation, municipalities, and leading companies such as Danfoss, Grundfos, ROCKWOOL and VELUX.

The publication presents insights across ten chapters, covering topics such as:

Regulation and incentives for energy renovation
Smart energy systems and digitalisation
Municipal leadership and local innovation
Financing building renovations
Circularity and lifecycle considerations

Discover the white paper

Download the white paper

Explore the white paper “Building renovation – Realising the untapped potential of the built environment” and explore insights, cases and information about Denmark’s journey to decarbonise its building stock.

Get the insights