Although Denmark is often touted as a green leader, we have significant challenges with linear thinking when it comes to the use of the earth's resources. This will be highlighted on March 16, when Denmark celebrates 'Overshoot Day' - the day when we have used up our natural resources for the whole of 2024 - as one of the first countries in the world. Stensdal Group recognizes the challenge of linear thinking and has set goals to reduce resource consumption and contribute more to the circular transition. A new collaboration with J. Jensen Genbrug is one of several initiatives that will help further the sustainable ambitions.
At Stensdal Group, the mantra has always been to optimize the existing building stock by acquiring often sad and run-down properties for the commercial portfolio and giving them new life. A far more sustainable approach than tearing down and building new. However, the ongoing refurbishment of older tenancies in particular often involves replacing materials that have outlived their purpose for a variety of reasons. In collaboration with J. Jensen Genbrug, focus must be increased on the possibilities of reusing and recycling materials to utilize resources and extend their lifespan.
Partner with recycling in its DNA
J.Jensen Genbrug, which originated from the demolition company of the same name, has long had recycling as an integral part of its business. They are experts in waste sorting and extending the life of materials. Stensdal Group now incorporates this mindset and expertise into the process when refurbishing an older commercial property and assessing reuse and recycling options. The aim is also to gain better knowledge of environmental impact and the CO2 savings that the collaboration provides. Something that, according to Stensdal Group's ESG Manager, Kenny Louring, will benefit the climate accounts and create incentives for further initiatives:
"In addition to the obvious need for us and the industry in general to do more for the circular transition, the collaboration with J. Jensen Genbrug also provides more transparency and gives us a better documentation basis. The results and the many good cases that we expect from the collaboration in the future will also increase the motivation to look into more aspects of the recycling area, which, all things being equal, will be rewarded in our climate accounts."
Positive test cases
Since the start of the collaboration, both parties have been satisfied with the involvement of J. Jensen Genbrug on three cases so far, where J. Jensen has been involved in assessing the reuse and recycling possibilities of various materials that no longer fit into the tenancies. Department Manager for Recycling and Upcycling at J. Jensen, Kenneth Hansen, is pleased with the successful start and the opportunities it has opened up:
"Our primary goal has been to make it easy for Stensdal Group to change the procedure so that we become a natural part of the refurbishment process when 1-to-1 recycling in the property and leases is not an option. The materials and fixtures we have taken over for now fit well with our existing competencies and at the same time open up some opportunities with our network of partners who are specialists in upcycling or recycling."
Old light fixtures get new life
The collaboration between Stensdal Group and J. Jensen Genbrug has already led to an exciting case involving the sustainable lighting manufacturer Fischer Lighting. In Stensdal Group's property on Valhøjs Allé in Rødovre, around 60 old light fixtures have been removed from a vacant lease as they no longer fit into the planned modernization. The luminaires have now been sent to Fischer Lighting where they will be redesigned and upgraded with LED lighting before being reused in another building. When the final number of luminaires is received by Fischer Lighting, Stensdal Group will receive calculations of the estimated resource savings in terms of reduced CO2 emissions and water consumption based on EPD data as a result of reusing the old luminaires. This data will be used in future reporting of Stensdal Group's sustainability efforts. Already now, all parties are looking into several good cases and further opportunities that the collaboration can provide.
Read more about responsibility in Stensdal Group and our focus areas via the link: