Facts about Green Lighthouse

Green Lighthouse is Denmark’s first public CO2-neutral building. The house is a 950 m2 green, circular building
housing the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen. Green Lighthouse is a house for students. This
is where the faculty’s student services will be consolidated under one roof, and students can seek advice
concerning career guidance, exams and subjects etc. Furthermore, a faculty club for scientists and others
affiliated to the faculty will be housed in the building.

Green Lighthouse is the result of a public-private cooperation between the University of Copenhagen, the
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, the City of Copenhagen and VELUX and VELFAC.

Building owner: the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

User: The University of Copenhagen
Turn-key contractor: Hellerup Byg
Architectural concept: Christensen og Co. Arkitekter A/S
Engineering concept: COWI
Size: 950 m2
Construction year: 2008-2009
Price: 37 million Danish kroner

How Green Lighthouse reduces its energy consumption

The building is cylindrical in order to ensure the ideal conditions between minimum surface and maximum
volume.

The cylindrical shape and adjustable façade louvers allow light to twist around the building following the sun. In
this way, the optimal generation of energy is ensured. The sun is the house’s main energy source.

Cooling of the building is made possible with natural ventilation and thermo-active concrete floors absorbing the
heat. Natural ventilation takes place through the upper part of the windows that open and close automatically
in order to allow fresh air to enter; no electrical powered systems are therefore needed. The heated air rises
through the centre atrium of the building and exits through the skylights. Skylights are also used during the
warm season to cool down the house during the night.

Solid constructions and heavy-duty insulation of walls and roof reduce heating demand. Phase change material
guarantees that the house will detain the heat during the night.
Windows with thermo glass minimize the heat loss, and at the same time, ensure that the sun heats up the
house during the winter. The lighting source is based on a light emission diode system characterised by a long
life and low energy consumption. Energy for basic lighting is generated by the building itself. Instructions for
low energy products will be made for the users of the building.

Renewable energy sources in Green Lighthouse

The roof is tilted to the South in order to create the greatest exposure to the sun- the house’s primary energy
source. The roof is covered with solar cells and solar panels.
Solar cells generate the electricity. The electricity generated is used to power pumps, lighting etc.

The variation in the solar energy generated, is integrated in the energy system of the house. Heat is
accumulated in the thermo-active concrete on the ground floor and functions as the buildings main “radiator”
during winter. In summer excess energy is stored underground and used in periods with less sun light
exposure.

The variation in the solar energy generated, is integrated in the energy system of the house. In summer excess
energy is stored underground and used in periods with less sun light exposure.

Daylight and indoor climate conditions in Green Lighthouse

A good indoor climate is important for the health and well-being of the people living and working in our houses.
Unhealthy indoor climate can result in headache, indisposition, but also serious health issues such as allergy
and asthma. It is fresh air, natural light and a nice view that makes a building comfortable to work, study or
live in. Studies show that a healthy indoor climate has a positive impact on absence due to illness.

Daylight is the primary light source in Green Lighthouse. In technical terms, the daylight factor should be at
least 3% in all working stations and minimum 2% in hall ways. This means that daylight is evident in all rooms.
Due to the construction of the automatic window shades, sunlight is reflected deeply into Green Lighthouse.

The natural ventilation ensures fresh air in the house. The upper part of the windows opens and closes
automatically, in order to let in fresh air. The heated air rises through the centre atrium of the building and
exits through the skylights. The heating and cooling solutions in the house help keep a pleasant temperature in
the house all year long.

Partners’ roles
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is building owner and has not only financed, but also been
in charge of the building process. The Ministry has been part of laying down the demands for the energy
concept as well as the architecture of the house.

The University of Copenhagen is user of the house. Students in particular will be using Green Lighthouse on a
day-to-day basis. The University is one of the originators of the project and has been part of the entire building
process including drawing up the requirement specifications.

The City of Copenhagen has been an active partner in the process. The close and efficient cooperation between
the City of Copenhagen and the building owner has from an early stage ensured an optimal authorisation
process.

VELUX and VELFAC are visionary partners in Green Lighthouse and have contributed with expert competencies,
technology and products, all having a significant importance for the energy balance and indoor climate in the
house. VELUX has, furthermore, been project manager for the steering committee.

The Financing of Green Lighthouse

Costs related to the building of Green Lighthouse are 37 million Danish kroner.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has financed 33 million Danish kroner.
WindowMaster, VELUX, VELFAC and Faber have contributed with 3.5 million Danish kroner in terms of building
components and technology.

Rockwool, Veksø, Knauf and Danogips have contributed with building material for 500,000 Danish kroner.
The University of Copenhagen pays a standard rent for the use of Green Lighthouse.