Billion-DKK grant for research in green transformation of the built environment

Backed by a record-breaking grant from the Danish Villum Foundation, Aalborg University, Aarhus University, the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Southern Denmark are joining forces to accelerate the green transformation of the built e

2026-02-26

(Press-News.org) The construction sector is currently responsible for 37 percent of global CO2 emissions and therefore holds enormous potential in the green transition. It requires new knowledge to change the way we build and maintain the existing building stock if resource consumption and climate footprint are to be reduced. This is the background for a new research program called Civil Engineering and the Green Transition in the Built Environment (CEBE), which will research new solutions to promote sustainability in the built environment.

As the first country in the world, Denmark has regulated emissions from new constructions. This means that the building sector is among the leaders in Europe, with rapid progress and significant reductions in emissions across both industry and construction projects. However, to continue this development beyond harvesting the low hanging fruits, a stronger focus on research, development and innovation is needed in the coming years.

This is the aim of the CEBE-programme; to develop new knowledge, methods and materials that can reduce construction's climate impact and resource consumption. As part of the effort, the professionalism of the education programs must be strengthened, and new talents must be attracted to the area.

The ambition of CEBE is to make Denmark a European leader in the field.

“There is no doubt that, with the establishment of CEBE, we are taking an important step toward developing knowledge and solutions that can help reduce the climate and environmental impact of construction. This is an international challenge, and therefore both the research and the solutions must extend far beyond Denmark’s borders,” says Per Heiselberg, Professor at Aalborg University and Programme Director of CEBE, and continues.

“Denmark already has a strong track record in researching and developing sustainable solutions, but with CEBE we are making a giant leap forward by both building on existing global knowledge and contributing distinctive Danish areas of strength. I am extremely excited about the collaboration and about the results we will be able to present, for which I have very high expectations,” concludes the Programme Director of CEBE.

Will transform the construction industry
The Villum Foundation intends to invest one billion kroner in CEBE over 10 years. This is the foundation's largest research grant ever and a strategic investment that encompasses the entire ecosystem of the built environment: from building new educational and research capacity and recruiting international talent to collaborating with construction sector players and industry.

CEBE is built around seven research fields that together cover the entire life cycle of the built environment - from design, construction and operation to lifespan extension and recycling. The fields are closely linked, and the interdisciplinary work ensures that new knowledge and new technologies are not developed in silos but translated into concrete solutions that can be used in the real world.

The program aims not only to strengthen the top, but also the breadth and diversity of the Danish education and research environment. With capacity building in the long term, the ambition is to create future leaders in climate-conscious construction.

Chairman of the Villum Foundation Jens Kann-Rasmussen is pleased that the universities have entered the collaboration so constructively.

"With CEBE, we are bringing together some of the country's strongest research environments in a joint effort to develop solutions that reduce the climate footprint of construction and thereby strengthen society's resilience. It is an investment in knowledge and innovation that can benefit the entire society," he says and continues:

"The Villum Foundation's philanthropic work is made possible by the construction industry. It is therefore a great pleasure for us to be able to contribute to accelerating the research-based transformation of the industry to a cleaner, greener and more regenerative future," says Jens Kann-Rasmussen.

International reach
With global recruitment of research talents and collaboration with research environments and companies abroad, the program aims to build a bridge between Danish knowledge and global challenges. Over 100 million kroner has been allocated for international collaboration, including a strategic partnership with ETH Zurich and the opportunity for international researchers to participate.

Facts about CEBE

Official launch date: February 26, 2026 Budget: 1 billion kroner over ten years (2026–2035). Mid-term evaluation: After 4-5 years, the effort is evaluated for continued support. Partners: Aalborg University, Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark and University of Southern Denmark. International partner university ETH Zurich. Purpose: Capacity building within research and education, which makes Denmark a leader in Europe in green construction. Includes: Research, joint educational initiatives, recruitment of international talent, industry collaboration, international network, etc. CEBE's seven research fields

Assessing and measuring sustainability
How can we accurately measure the climate and environmental impact of the entire built environment - both what we build new and what already exists?

This research field develops new methods for assessing emissions, environmental effects and resource use across buildings and infrastructure throughout their full life cycle. The goal is to create precise, dynamic models that support decision-making for all types of interventions in the built environment and help the sector meet absolute sustainability targets. Whether through building new, renovating and transforming what already stands.

Design for regeneration, circularity and longevity
How do we design buildings that has a regenerative environmental impact?

This research area co-creates new methods for design and construction of buildings with a regenerative environmental impact while ensuring safe, healthy and comfortable indoor environments in changing climates. The aim is to explore how to design and construct robust and long-lasting buildings with components and systems that can be recirculated repeatedly.

Low carbon and robust construction materials
How can we reduce the construction sector’s massive use of materials?

Researchers in this field work to develop and test new low-carbon building materials. From reused products and products made with recycled resources to regenerative materials with a far smaller CO₂ footprint, while still meeting the required strength and durability standards.

Digitalisation and automation
How can digitalisation and automation reduce the environmental impact of construction while increasing performance?

This research field advances construction robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling as tools to intelligently acquire and manage data, build with lower embodied carbon, and reduce resource extraction throughout the construction lifecycle. The goal is to accelerate low-carbon and circular construction by turning data, carbon metrics, and material intelligence into actionable design and construction decisions.

Climate resilient and adaptive infrastructure
How do we prepare our infrastructure for more storms, cloudbursts and flooding?

This research area develops methods and technologies that make roads, bridges, ports and coastal protection more resilient, including nature-based solutions, upgrades to existing structures, advanced monitoring and improved emergency response strategies.

Suffiency, well-being and energy efficiency 
How can we create buildings that support health and well-being while using fewer resources?

Sustainable construction is not only about reducing CO₂ emissions, but it also concerns how buildings influence people’s comfort, health and everyday lives. This field brings together principles of “sufficiency” with research on energy use, indoor climate and comfort to ensure that we can live, thrive and work safely with a smaller resource footprint.

Extending the life of the built environment
How can we make better use of the buildings we already have?

New construction carries a high climate cost, so extending the life of existing structures is essential. This field develops methods to assess building condition, predict lifespan, identify suitable changes of use and support more sustainable renovation practices.

For further information:

Website: www.cebe.dk

Louise Boe Weis Jensen, Communications Consultant CEBE, Tel.: (+45) 6196 7568, lbwj@cebe.dk

Per Heiselberg, Professor, Program Director CEBE, Aalborg University: pkh@cebe.dk, Tel.: (+45) 2023 4660

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