By Simon Danneskiold-Samsøe and Thomas Møller Christensen, AAU Communications and Public Affairs
Photo: Jens Hasse/Chili

Construction in Denmark remains dominated by materials such as concrete, steel, and glass, all of which demand large amounts of energy to produce and emit substantial CO2 during manufacturing.

However, researchers from BUILD – Department of the Built Environment at Aalborg University (AAU) suggest there is another way. Their study reveals that by using bio-based building materials such as straw, grass, flax, and wood, the industry can not only replace conventional materials but even achieve negative emissions, meaning that buildings could capture more CO2 than they emit.

"The potential is simply enormous. We have now shown that it’s indeed possible to replace traditional building materials with locally produced, sustainable alternatives like straw and grass,” says Torben Valdbjørn Rasmussen, Senior Researcher at BUILD and co-author of the study.

Denmark's Unique Advantages

Until now, much of the construction industry’s climate focus has been on improving building energy efficiency. But the new study highlights the importance of considering the climate footprint of materials and the construction process.

The study is based on Danish conditions and identifies Denmark as particularly well-positioned for bio-based construction. As an agricultural country with abundant biomass resources and a long coastline, Denmark has ideal conditions for producing such materials on a large scale.

This foundation could enable a new kind of construction, one where local raw materials are turned into climate-positive building solutions that actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

“But this requires that we, as a society, make a strategic and coordinated effort to transform our building stock toward climate sustainability,”
says Torben Valdbjørn Rasmussen.

A Collective Effort Toward Climate-Positive Construction

According to Torben Valdbjørn Rasmussen, Denmark has the potential to become a global frontrunner in climate-friendly construction. But it will require a major shift across the entire construction value chain. Every link, from material production and architectural design to financing and ownership, must work together toward shared climate goals.

With a comprehensive national strategy aligning architecture, construction, and materials, Danish building practices could not only minimize their environmental footprint but also become an active tool for carbon removal.

“When we talk about bio-based construction, it’s not just about sustainability — it’s about active climate reduction,” Torben Valdbjørn Rasmussen concludes.