The bees are welcome at DFDS' new HQ

Located on the docks of The Copenhagen Port called Nordhavn, DFDS' new headquarters overlooks the entry and exit of the Copenhagen-Oslo Ferry. Built by PensionDenmark, it is a modern and sustainable office building that will have the DGNB Gold certification when it opens in February 2022.

The maritime world of DFDS inspired the architectural concept, the location along the quay, and the functions inside the building. Its wavy angles add movement to the building. The light, airy, and flexible office environment with activity-based zones is designed to support and promote a collaborative culture.

Highest standards of environmental, societal and financial sustainability

DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) is a certification system recognised as the global benchmark for sustainability: "It is based on three central sustainability areas, namely ecology, economy and sociocultural issues, weighted equally in the evaluation. In the certification process, the entire life cycle of a building is consistently taken into account. As a planning and optimisation tool, it helps all those involved in construction to implement holistic solutions that leave a minimal footprint," Head of Facility Management and new HQ Project Manager Henrik Svane says.

Henrik Svane

"Our DGNB gold certification shows that every piece of DFDS headquarter is designed with sustainability in mind. From the building's materials to how we source furniture to waste management and green commuting options – our new work home is built for the people in it – and the life surrounding it - with carbon footprint impact in mind," CSR Director Sofie Lindegaard says.

Sofie Lindegaard

Live and let live

DFDS teamed up with The Danish Society for Nature Conservation to ensure fertile breeding grounds for biodiversity outside of the building.

"Our nature conservation partners provided solid advice that ultimately made us change our plans for the surrounding landscape. They advised us not to establish beehives, as honeybees and wild bees are competitors, and the latter species is under pressure to access habitats and food. We will also have more resident plant species and establish freshwater ponds and baths to attract insects," Sofie says.

New HQ ground cover plants recommended by The Danish Society for Nature Conservation

Built to last, from top to bottom

"I can safely say that we have questioned all aspects of the building in the design process: is this sustainable? Is there a smarter way of doing things? What's the carbon footprint? This has led to decisions like prioritising purchasing furniture produced in Denmark or nearby countries to minimise emissions from transport over long distances," Sofie says.

This Deck 7 meeting room chair is made from discarded fishing nets recovered from the sea.

"We have calculated and assessed everything and expect our HQ suppliers to live up to the same social and environmental standards that we apply to ourselves. Food management, furniture sourcing and use, energy and waste systems, facility management, you name it, we have considered how to approach it based on the principles of sustainability. And even with this sustainable upgrade, we are foreseeing only modest (if any) increases in expenses, due to the energy efficiency of the new building" Henrik says.

DFDS' new HQ opens on 23 February, 2022.