Denmark’s first CO2 neutral public building was opened at Copenhagen University on 20 October 2009. The 950 m2 big Green Lighthouse, which is part of the Faculty of Science of Copenhagen University, houses for instance a Faculty Lounge for scientists, student service and other facilities.

Excellent indoor climate
Green Lighthouse’s pivotal point and primary energy source is the sun. Green Lighthouse is an energy efficient building of high architectural quality, allowing a great amount of daylight to enter. All employees will have the option to work near a window. The natural ventilation assures plenty of fresh air and a healthy indoor climate. Through energy design and visionary architecture, the building’s energy consumption is reduced by around 3/4 compared to present building standards. It has its own energy supply containing a combination of solar energy, heating pumps and district heating never seen before.

Green Lighthouse is an excellent example of the standard that can be achieved in future buildings. The house demonstrates that we make a climatic difference without compromising on the comfort and health of its residents. Green Lighthouse is a climate-friendly house that offers fresh air and good daylight conditions. A house that can be built with products available today.

The parties involved in the project are the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the University of Copenhagen, the City of Copenhagen together with VELUX and VELFAC.



CEO Jørgen Tang-Jensen, VELUX A/S, Rector of Copenhagen University Ralf Hemmingsen, Copenhagen's Lord Mayor Ritt Bjerregaard, and the Danish Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Helge Sander, officially open Green Lighthouse by cutting the Green Lighthouse cake.

Demonstrating the potential of Denmark
Green Lighthouse was constructed in less than a year. The innovative and climate-friendly energy concept of the house will bring attention to Danish competencies in sustainable building and public-private partnerships when the UN Climate Conference is held in Copenhagen in December.

Green Lighthouse is located at Tagensvej 16 in Copenhagen.