Beyond the Roadmap: A Transition Plan for the Danish Building Industry

Summary
The Beyond the Roadmap report presents an evolved framework for aligning the Danish construction industry with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target while integrating safe and just Earth-system boundaries. It expands on the Reduction Roadmap initiative, offering a systemic approach to addressing the climate crisis by targeting emissions reductions, biobased material adoption, and regenerative practices. This transition plan incorporates policy recommendations, innovative design principles, and practical steps for achieving sustainable construction within planetary boundaries.

Key Takeaways
1. Systemic Transformation: A shift beyond carbon neutrality to include regenerative practices is essential for restoring planetary health.
2. Butterfly Framework: Introduces a dual-focus benchmarking tool for reducing emissions and protecting ecosystems within safe and just planetary boundaries.
3. Biobased Materials: Highlights the importance of integrating timber, hemp, and other biobased materials to reduce embodied carbon while enhancing biodiversity and circularity.

How It Can Help You
This report is invaluable for policymakers, architects, engineers, and urban planners who are:
• Seeking actionable frameworks for reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in construction.
• Exploring innovative uses of biobased materials to achieve regenerative goals.
• Interested in integrating ecological and equity considerations into building practices.

Key Learnings
1. Holistic Approach Required: Sustainability in construction must account for both carbon reduction and ecosystem regeneration.
2. Biobased Materials as Catalysts: Timber and other biobased materials offer scalable, renewable solutions to reduce embodied emissions.
3. Redefining Success: The industry must transition from efficiency-focused goals to sufficiency-driven strategies that respect planetary limits.