Successful first sustainability certification at AU

Aarhus University has received sustainability certification for the renovation of the Centre for Educational Development (CED) premises at Trøjborgvej. The certification is the first of its kind at AU and has been awarded, among other things, for the good indoor climate and sustainable solutions in the building. More certifications for university buildings are expected in the future.

Instead of buying a new door, the original front door to the CED building has been refurbished as part of a sustainable renovation process. Photo: Lars Kruse

15 May 2023 by Signe Budde Opstrup

If you pass by Trøjborgvej 82, you will see a beautiful old building, constructed back in 1932 as a college for women, with specialist classrooms and a gymnasium. Today, the building looks somewhat different inside, with modern, bright offices, classrooms and common rooms designed for the new residents from the Centre for Educational Development (CED) and the teaching staff who regularly visit for courses and workshops. The comprehensive renovation project has been awarded a silver sustainability certificate under the voluntary DGNB scheme. There are several reasons for this.

The renovation took outset in the history of the building, and several of the wall bars in the gym and the original front door have been modified and retained. Moreover, energy-friendly and sustainable materials have been used for the various solutions.

Ensuring a good indoor climate was a particular priority for the renovation of the building. For example, an acoustic wooden wall has been established in the middle of the building, contributing to a good indoor climate and good acoustics.

More certifications on the way

The new sustainable certification is the first of its kind at AU. The aim is to obtain more certifications for new-builds and major renovations in the coming years, and the course has already been set. The new buildings for Aarhus BSS in the University City and all of the University City as an urban area have recently been pre-certified for gold under the DGNB scheme.

FEAS Erhverv P/S is the contractor building the University City, and, together with AU, they are aiming to achieve more sustainable certifications.

In order to ensure a good indoor climate, an attractive wooden acoustic wall has been put up in the entrance to the building. Photo: Lars Kruse

Several of the wall bars from the old gymnasium have been retained and modified (made narrower) to fit the wall between the windows. Photo: Lars Kruse

Facts about DGNB

DGNB is a sustainability certification scheme for buildings and urban areas.
During the DGNB certification process, a building is measured and assessed on its environmental, economic and social sustainability attributes, as well as on the technology and processes used to construct or renovate the building.
DGNB uses a step system, meaning that buildings and urban areas can be awarded bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification. Read more about DGNB.
See which public institutions and companies have been DGNB certified.

Do you have any questions?

You are welcome to contact Paul Behrens, project manager/building engineer, to find out more about the university's DGNB work.