ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFICATIONS AND LABELLING
For us, it is a natural step to combine innovative thinking with a focus on responsibility. We want to contribute to creating cities and buildings that are a responsible part of the planet’s future, and we do so by developing ourselves and challenging ourselves.
Construction is a significant part of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which have set an ambitious direction for the world over the next 30 years. When it comes to the major goals of urban development, energy efficiency, climate adaptation and everyday responsibility, the way we choose to build matters enormously. We must use our knowledge to consume fewer resources, enhance individual wellbeing and optimise functions — and we are already well on our way.
DGNB
DGNB is an internationally recognised certification within the construction industry. The DGNB system is used to measure, collaborate on and promote sustainability considerations in the built environment.
The DGNB certification assesses a wide range of criteria, including energy efficiency, environmental impact, biodiversity, resource consumption, life cycle costs, user comfort and health, as well as functionality and design.
There are four levels of DGNB certification: DGNB Bronze (existing buildings only), DGNB Silver, DGNB Gold and DGNB Platinum. Each of these certification levels reflects the projects’ contribution to promoting sustainability considerations in the built environment, which can help to create better conditions for the environment, people and society.
In addition, it is possible to achieve supplementary distinctions: DGNB Planet, DGNB Heart and DGNB Diamond.
LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a prominent international environmental certification scheme for buildings, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is designed to promote and guide the development of more sustainable construction projects. LEED certification assesses building performance across several sustainability criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, CO₂ reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, as well as innovation and design processes.
LEED certification is offered at several levels based on the number of points achieved: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These levels reflect the degree of sustainability and environmental performance that a construction project has demonstrated. LEED certification is widely used in many countries and is recognised for its comprehensive approach to assessing the environmental and health impacts of buildings.
BREEAM
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is a leading global sustainability assessment system for buildings. It was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1990 by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and is the oldest and most widely used system of its kind. BREEAM assesses the environmental performance of buildings across several different categories, including energy consumption, water use, indoor environmental quality, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecological sustainability and management processes.
The purpose of BREEAM is to promote a more sustainable approach to construction and operational practices throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, from planning and construction through to ongoing operation. BREEAM certification is awarded to buildings that meet and exceed established sustainability standards, making it a recognised testament to the fact that a building has been designed, constructed and is operated in a way that reduces its environmental impact.
NORDIC SWAN ECOLABEL
A Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified building refers to construction projects that meet the strict environmental, health and quality criteria set by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. These criteria include, amongst other things, efficient energy consumption, the use of environmentally friendly and health-safe materials, good indoor climate quality and waste management. The purpose of Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified construction is to promote sustainability in the construction industry by reducing the environmental footprint of buildings and ensuring healthy living environments for users.
Being part of a Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified construction project means that clients, architects, contractors and other parties involved commit to complying with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel requirements throughout the entire construction process, from planning and design through to execution and operation. This ensures that the building is not only sustainable, but also economically efficient and healthy for its users. Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified construction therefore supports a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing environmental, social and economic aspects.
Concrete elements can be incorporated into Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified buildings.
CERTIFICATION
PREMIUM MEMBER OF THE DANISH GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
We are a premium member of the Danish Green Building Council, a non-profit membership organisation established to promote sustainability in the construction and property industry.
In addition to being a member of the Danish Green Building Council, our Head of Sustainability is part of the organisation’s technical committee for material content and climate impact. Here we contribute our knowledge and experience at the committee’s meetings.
The Danish Green Building Council administers, amongst other things, the leading voluntary certification scheme in Denmark known as DGNB Denmark.
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS
EPDS ARE IMPORTANT IN THE EARLY PROJECT PHASE
In order to avoid the use of outdated data, CRH is increasing the use of product- and project-specific EPDs early in a project, giving all parties access to up-to-date and accurate data.
ESG RATINGS
ESG PRESENTATIONS, RECOGNITIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
We continuously engage in a transparent manner with environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings and are proud of the initiatives in which we actively participate.