Sustainability is a core theme of Campus 2.0. AU is not only modernizing the campus, but doing so in a
way that’s mindful of the environment and efficient use of space. One change you may have heard
rumors about is a reduction of campus floor space when BSS moves – let’s clarify that from a
sustainability angle. Due to a government-imposed rent cap, the new BSS facilities in University City had
to be about 10% smaller in area than our current space. This sounds like a drawback, but AU
planners turned it into a sustainability win. They primarily trimmed excess space in offices and
administrative areas, for example by designing smaller average offices, in order to minimize the
impact on student study areas. In short, the study environments (reading rooms, group areas) are
as good as ever, and we’re not wasting space on large empty offices. Using our buildings more
efficiently not only saves on rent, but also on heating, electricity, and maintenance – making the
campus greener and more cost-effective in the long run.
Furniture
Another big sustainability initiative is the reuse and upcycling of furniture we discussed earlier. Rather
than tossing out hundreds of chairs and tables, AU reupholstered and refinished them to fit the new
interiors. This is “good for the economy, but also important for taking care of our nature and
environment,” as the campus project news noted. Every item given a second life is one less new item
that needs to be produced and transported – reducing waste and the campus’s carbon footprint.
Rebuilding
One of the more creative initiatives for decorating the new campus, is reusing old and surplus materials from the exterior or old furniture. This is then used to build new furniture and other projects around campus. This is decreasing the amount of waste materials, while giving our sorroundings a more interesting look.
Refurbished and Upcycled
Some other things you may recognize are old furniture that have been given new life. This choice has been made with a focus on quality, longitivety and sustainability.
Old
Don’t wory not everything is going to change with the move. You may recognize some old funiture pieces when walking through Campus 2.0. These and more old pieces are going to be put into a new context, to bring a familiar feeling to new surroundings.
Grander plans
On an even larger scale, University City is aiming for a sustainability certification (DGNB) for its new
buildings . DGNB is a rigorous certification that evaluates buildings on environmental, economic,
and social sustainability. So the new construction is being done with green building standards in mind –
think energy-efficient design, good indoor climate, sustainable materials, etc.
AU’s goal is to ensure the campus is developed “sustainably” in line with its Climate Strategy 2020–2025 . Even things like our campus operations and daily life are part of AU’s sustainability efforts – from recycling schemes to reducing energy use – making sustainability a “natural part of work at AU.”
You’ll also notice Campus 2.0 encourages eco-friendly transport. The plan is for AU to be a car-free
campus area , especially in the central zones. By concentrating around University Park/City/Katrinebjerg, it’s easier to walk or bike everywhere without needing a car. The new tunnels mean pedestrians and cyclists have priority pathways. Public transit is readily available (hello, light rail and bus routes), and there will be plenty of bike parking. Fewer cars on campus means lower emissions, more green space, and a safer, cleaner environment for all of us.
Finally, expect to see greenery integrated into the new campus design. The Katrinebjerg campus park
focuses on biodiversity, and even in University City, they’re preserving old trees and
adding green courtyards and ivy walls where possible. All these efforts combined make Campus 2.0 not
just an upgrade for students, but a win for the planet. We can feel proud that our university is striving
to be sustainable – and each of us can contribute by enjoying the car-free campus, using the recycling bins, and maybe even upcycling our own study notes . Campus 2.0 is about building a future that’s
bright and green.
