Group CEO at Nordic Wood Industries – Holger C. Hansen. Opinion piece by the Group CEO of Nordic Wood Industries, Holger C. Hansen:

There is a lot of talk about housing in this election campaign – and with good reason. The major Danish cities are crying out for more homes. But when we are about to build this much, we should also ask ourselves: How do we actually want to build? Because we risk solving one crisis while worsening another.

The construction industry accounts for around 30 percent of Denmark’s total CO₂ emissions. When we are about to build thousands of new homes, schools and care facilities, the solution to the housing crisis should not be one that fuels the climate crisis. This should be where we show that green transition and urban development can go hand in hand.

It requires courage. With Lynetteholm as an example, it is clear that major plans are already underway. The island is set to be filled with soil by 2026, after which urban development can begin. Imagine a new district where buildings – homes, schools and care facilities – store CO₂ instead of emitting it. Where the construction process is faster, cleaner and more beautiful. That is actually possible. Let us have the conversation about how the buildings of the future can be part of the solution to the climate crisis – not part of the problem.

Choosing not to build anything new would be the most sustainable option – but when we choose to build, we must also choose to take the climate crisis seriously. That requires political action. If Lynetteholm is built using the same materials and methods as always, it will become a monument to our lack of action.

At Nordic Wood Industries, we work every day to develop and construct buildings in timber. We know that it can be done – technically, economically and architecturally. Among other projects, we helped build Nærheden in Hedehusene, where CO₂ emissions are as low as 4.6 kilograms CO₂ equivalents per square metre per year. In new projects, we are on our way below 4. This is far below the current legal limit, where multi-storey and commercial buildings may emit up to 7.5 kilograms CO₂ equivalents per square metre per year. This shows one thing: We can build with a far lower climate impact. The real question is why we do not aim higher when we already know it is possible.

I am calling for politicians who dare to lead. Who dare to say: “We want buildings that not only comply with the law but set a new direction.” It takes political action to demand lower climate footprints. It does not have to be expensive or complicated. On the contrary. Timber construction is competitive on price, quick to build, high in quality and results in buildings that are healthy, flexible and reusable. We can build temporary housing, permanent housing, multi-storey buildings and commercial buildings – all in timber, all with a significantly lower climate footprint than traditional solutions. But I miss clear political signals – locally and nationally – prioritising more sustainable construction.

When Danes cast their vote in the local and regional elections, it is not only about healthcare, elder care and education. It is also about housing. Are we voting for politicians and parties that dare to set higher standards for construction – or for those who continue as before?

My hope is that regional, local and national politicians will set far higher ambitions for the climate footprint of future buildings – not only for where and why we build. We have the technology, the experience and the will. Now we just need the courage to use it. The housing crisis must be solved. But we must solve it wisely – in a way that makes sense for the climate, the economy, the architecture and the people who will live in these new homes for many years to come. It is a political winner with no owner – who will claim it?