Case
Building design
Green buildings
In 1946, philosopher and engineer Ove Arup founded a firm with the purpose of changing the way the built environment was designed and engineered. In the 75 years since then, Arup has become synonymous with some of the most ambitious, creative and future-facing projects in the world.
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As urban populations grow and mobility demands increase, cities must balance infrastructure expansion with environmental sustainability. Copenhagen, known for its commitment to green urban development, faces significant traffic congestion in its central districts. To alleviate pressure on existing road networks, the proposed 10-km Eastern Ring Road (Østlig Ringvej) aims to divert traffic from the city center while improving connectivity between the northern and southern motorway networks.
However, large-scale infrastructure projects traditionally have high carbon footprints due to material use, construction activities, and energy consumption. Concrete and steel alone would account for over half of the project’s total emissions under conventional material choices. Additionally, energy-intensive construction transport and site activities pose further sustainability challenges. To align with Denmark’s climate goals, the Eastern Ring Road must integrate sustainability considerations from the earliest planning phases.
To embed sustainability into the project’s design, Sund & Bælt, responsible for Denmark’s major transport infrastructure, appointed a joint venture between Arup and COWI (CAJV) to develop the preliminary design of the Eastern Ring Road. This design will serve as the foundation for an environmental impact assessment, a crucial step before potential parliamentary approval.
A collaborative approach was taken to identify sustainability measures, with Sund & Bælt and CAJV coordinating an advisory group involving public and private sector stakeholders, academia, and NGOs. Through a series of innovation workshops, 55 experts from 30 organisations proposed 40 initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring long-term economic and social benefits.
Low-Carbon Construction Strategies
To mitigate emissions associated with material use, the project prioritises reducing the carbon footprint of concrete and steel. Alternative materials with lower emissions potential are being explored, alongside strategies to optimise material efficiency and reduce overall quantities used.
Reducing energy-related emissions during construction is another key focus. Measures under consideration include:
By implementing these measures, the project aims to significantly lower emissions from construction transport and site activities. Additionally, hybrid ships contribute to biodiversity protection by reducing underwater noise pollution, which can negatively impact marine life.
Digital Carbon Accounting
To support data-driven decision-making, CAJV has developed a digital Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool, integrated with a 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) system. This tool automates material assessments, calculates emissions, and verifies material properties against sustainability criteria. By providing real-time insights, the system allows designers to compare material choices and prioritise lower-carbon alternatives.
A methodology was also developed to rank initiatives based on their carbon-saving potential relative to associated costs. This ensures that emission-reducing solutions are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable within the project’s framework.
The Eastern Ring Road is one of the first major infrastructure projects in Denmark to integrate sustainability considerations from the earliest design stages. By embedding carbon reduction as a core design principle, the project demonstrates how large-scale transport infrastructure can align with national and global climate objectives.
The prioritised initiatives could lead to significant reductions in construction-related CO₂ emissions while supporting biodiversity and reducing long-term environmental impacts. The integration of digital carbon accounting ensures continuous monitoring and optimisation throughout the project’s development.
If approved, the Eastern Ring Road will serve as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development, reinforcing Copenhagen’s position as a leader in climate-conscious urban planning. Through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven strategies, the project highlights how sustainability can be a fundamental part of transport infrastructure from inception to implementation.
