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State of Green

Buildings

Circular business models

Climate partnerships

+6

21 May 2025

Energy renovation of buildings

Realising the untapped potential of the built environment.
SoG_WP_EnergyEfficiencyInBuildings_210x297-forside Energy renovation of buildings
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Discover the untapped potential of buildings

Building renovation plays a vital role in the green transition.

With buildings responsible for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and a significant share of CO₂ emissions, energy-efficient building renovation is essential to meet climate targets. In Europe, up to 95% of the 2050 building stock already exists – making renovation, not new construction, the key to a sustainable future.

This white paper offers practical insights, data and case examples showing how well-executed building renovation can improve energy performance, enhance indoor climate, and generate economic and social value.

Inspiring perspectives

This white paper provides tangible pathways to realise the untapped energy efficiency potential in the built environment. From governance tools and meaningful partnerships to the implementation of technical installations and successful repurposing, it encompasses a broad range of perspectives and concrete cases on how to promote, enable and support energy renovation efforts.

Key take-aways

  • The publication features best practices from municipalities, housing associations and industry leaders. It demonstrates how building renovation not only cuts emissions, but strengthens energy security, supports low-income households, and enhances building resilience in the face of climate change.
  • Understand how the Danish governance system for green buildings works
  • Explore world class energy efficiency solutions for buildings
  • Learn how thinking holistically about energy renovation can yield even greater benefits on the triple bottom line of sustainability
  • Be inspired by perspectives on smart energy systems, data use, public-private partnerships, financing and much more.

Discover Denmark’s approach to building renovation

This white paper presents Denmark’s strategic approach to renovating existing buildings—combining regulation, innovation and partnerships to reduce emissions, lower energy use and create more comfortable spaces for people.

Denmark has developed a holistic model for building renovation that integrates ambitious building codes, energy labelling schemes, digital tools and targeted financing. Public-private partnerships and smart technologies help accelerate the rate and quality of renovation projects across residential, commercial and public buildings.

From replacing fossil heating systems to optimising insulation and integrating smart energy controls, Denmark’s experience offers scalable solutions for future-ready buildings.

SoG_WP_EnergyEfficiencyInBuildings_210x297-forside Energy renovation of buildings

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