Executive summary rapport lavenergibyggeri 2013

Collaboration within low energy construction Executive summary

Copenhagen Capacity · Nørregade 7B · DK-1165 Copenhagen K t +45 33 22 02 22 · www.copcap.com · info@copcap.com

Executive summary Clusters and cluster-based business development are key topics on the agenda at all political levels today. This is because the high degree of innovation and productivity typically associated with clusters is believed to be a pathway to economic growth and increasing international competitiveness.

We have a low energy construction cluster in Denmark. We are strong on knowledge, our workforce is highly qualified and we are, not least, a well-known name abroad.

- Susanne Kuehn, Rockwool A/S

Numerous efforts have been made to map, develop and support the clusters of the Capital Region of Denmark. The present study has been carried out on behalf of ‘SPI’, a collaborative project involving Copenhagen Capacity and 15 municipalities in the region. The analysis focuses on low energy construction, which constitutes an international strength. The aim is to understand and increase awareness of a strong regional business area. Equally the study seeks to motivate relevant actors into lending support in order to strengthen the development of the business area and thus create a strong foundation for retaining and attracting foreign enterprises and investment in the region.

The focal point of the analysis is the relationships and cooperative structures across the value chain of the construction sector. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships between the actors in the triple helix, i.e. companies, public organisations, and knowledge, education and research institutions.

On the basis of 39 interviews with actors in the field, the study documents how the Capital Region is home to leading companies within all sections of the value chain, particularly within architecture as well as entrepreneurial and engineering businesses. The companies within low energy construction – with the exception of material producers - are concentrated in the Capital Region. Among them are strong front runners showing the outside world that it is possible to be even more progressive than simply meeting the already restrictive legal requirements facing the construction sector today.

Low energy construction in the Capital Region The low energy construction arena is generally characterised by short-term, contract-based project collaborations. As a result, knowledge is heavily circulated and being brought into play where there is some crossover between different areas of professional specialisation. Knowledge within the field is therefore constantly being challenged and constantly undergoing development.

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Collaboration within low energy construction © Copenhagen Capacity

In general, the low energy construction companies are of the opinion that collaboration with other companies holds great potential for them. For small and young companies, partnerships are crucial simply for getting established, while larger enterprises look for specialist knowledge from their collaborators.

The knowledge and research institutions of the region, e.g. the Technical University of Denmark, have successfully integrated the latest research into their education programmes.

Additionally, both research and education institutions show great interest in collaboration with regional businesses. All sections of the value chain are therefore characterised by a high level of knowledge and strong competences within low energy construction. The backing of the knowledge and research institutions also plays a vital role in making low energy construction such an established part of the construction sector today.

The drivers of development in the low energy construction cluster are primarily high levels of local demand and locally-based collaborations. In addition, the region, the state and the municipalities play a crucial role. 40 years of strict legal requirements aimed at the construction sector is reflected in the quality of education programmes, products, solutions and materials. Public demand for innovative solutions is a substantial driver for the construction sector. But public actors equally have the ability to initiate networks, enter into dialogue with companies and facilitate collaborations between universities and enterprises.

These types of actions would similarly contribute to the development of the cluster.

In conclusion, the study takes a quick look into the future by considering how the development potential within low energy construction can best be secured. One example is the clusterlike initiative, FISHclusters, which seeks to create system solutions as well as a basis for the future export of low energy construction to foreign markets. In this context, the cluster initiative acts as a substitute for the system owner of the construction sector.

In addition, further development of the business area must be secured by innovation across the value chain of the construction sector as well as by collaboration between the different actors within the triple helix. Green technologies and solutions need to be integrated into architecture to ensure the continuation of the high quality design tradition of low energy construction. To address this innovation task, collaboration between all sections of the construction sector is needed.

The executive summary is published as part of the SPI project in Copenhagen Capacity in collaboration with 15 municipalities in the Capital Region.

SPI co-financed by:

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Collaboration within low energy construction Š Copenhagen Capacity

Investment promotion potentials Low energy construction constitutes a regional position of strength because…

• Of the existence of widespread collaboration across the triple helix • The entire value chain is characterised by a high level of knowledge as well as strong competences • Energy efficiency is a part of the self-awareness of many companies and not considered an “add on” • Economy comes first. Building green is good business • We have strong front runners that constantly strive to be better than the legal requirements and demonstrate that this is possible • Development of beautiful building-integrated sustainable solutions holds great potential, e.g. in the crossover between architecture, smart grid and energy production

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• Digitalisation in the planning phase of construction projects ensures efficient implementation and reduces wastage • The construction sector is open to system solutions within both restoration and new builds • Sustainability is hot. Low energy construction is highly attractive to resourceful parts of the population • The Danes are open to digital solutions, e.g. building integrated smart energy management • Public institutions wish to be proactive owners • The companies have 40 years of experience in working with low energy construction

Collaboration within low energy construction © Copenhagen Capacity