Photo: Copenhagen University
A typical research institution will have 60-65% of its electricity consumed by research spaces. How do we reduce that?
Problem
Can you claim to research for the solutions to the world’s problems, when the process of getting there is as energy intensive as the solutions you are trying to avoid? Research labs at Copenhagen University have decided to do something about it.
Research spaces consume 3-10 times more energy per square meter than academic spaces. A typical research institution will have 60-65% of its electricity consumed by research spaces, and Copenhagen University has a target of reducing the CO2 footprint per employee by 50% in 2030, so what to do?
Research spaces consume 3-10 times more energy per square meter than academic spaces. A typical research institution will have 60-65% of its electricity consumed by research spaces, and Copenhagen University has a target of reducing the CO2 footprint per employee by 50% in 2030, so what to do?
“The transition of our society and consumption to sustainability requires massive change. This also accounts for University of Copenhagen, whose 9.500 employees and 37.500 students have a considerable climate and resource footprint. We need to solve the climate and sustainability issues facing the international community. And the universities' active commitment plays a key role. UCPH assumes co-responsibility for supporting a sustainable development – both internally and externally.”
- Copenhagen University
Solution
As the first in Scandinavia, Copenhagen University has joined the University College London-founded initiative called the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF for short). Developed by lab specialists, LEAF estimates the carbon and financial savings of the actions you take, helping you to target your efforts and show the impact you are having.
According to a pilot study with 235 LEAF-certified labs, they saved both money and emissions by applying the framework. In total, they reduced their emissions by 648 tons of CO2.
More than 1200 researchers and laboratory workers from Copenhagen University are involved in applying the framework, which is already being used by more than 70 public research institutions in more than 10 countries. Nordisk pioneered in the corporate world and introduced the triple bottom line into its company bylaws more than 25 years ago. This means that the company must conduct its business in a socially, environmentally, and financially responsible way. But when one of your products hundreds of millions of injection pens – ends up on landfills all over the world, you are faced with a hard-core challenge to live up to the mission.
Part of the solution is circularity which will help reach the target of net zero emissions across the entire value chain by 2045.
Setting up your business in the Greater Copenhagen
Setting up your company in the Greater Copenhagen region gives you access to a world-class research ecosystem and laboratories, that will help your business succeed in the future.
Interested in knowing more about the Danish research ecosystem and the opportunities for your business? Please feel free to contact us today.
Niels Thun Andersen
Head of Life Science Team
Copenhagen Capacity
E-mail: nta@copcap.com
