MMMI Certification Paves the Way for Sustainable Construction at SDU

Construction is one of the largest contributors to CO₂ emissions. Therefore, when new construction is deemed necessary and meaningful, it must be carried out as responsibly as possible. The building for the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute (MMMI) has fully met this requirement, earning the DGNB Gold sustainability certificate. This is the second-highest possible rating, confirming that the project has made responsible choices to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable future.

The certification serves as proof that SDU takes its responsibility seriously and strives to contribute to a greener future—not only through research but also when assessing the need for new facilities.

Ongoing Consultancy Leads to Positive Results

During the early stages of project planning and programming, it was agreed to involve a DGNB consultant. In collaboration with advisors, specific sustainability goals were set using the DGNB framework, focusing on areas such as material selection and the reuse of construction waste.

This setup has provided valuable insights into the project's sustainability profile and led to important considerations regarding how SDU can construct new facilities in the most sustainable and practical way. SDU has specific requirements to meet when constructing laboratory facilities and managing building operations, which makes achieving the highest certification level, Platinum, particularly challenging.

For this reason, there is great pride and satisfaction in achieving the Gold certification. It demonstrates that SDU has met the objectives set during the initial phases and has followed a solid process. Key sustainability initiatives in the MMMI building include thermal indoor climate optimization, material composition improvements, and rainwater beds that enhance climate resilience and support biodiversity in the outdoor areas.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

The valuable experience gained from this certification provides SDU with a strong foundation for future projects requiring new facilities. The MMMI building has set a precedent, and its operational benefits further reinforce the value of sustainable construction.
For example, the building's DGNB certification helps reduce ongoing costs for water, electricity, and heating while also increasing its attractiveness.

For any questions regarding the DGNB certification process, please contact Anton Holm Madsen from Technical Services atahm@sdu.dk.