Holbæk Leads the Way: NonHazCity3 Pilot Demonstrates Strategic Solutions for Chemical-Safe Construction in New Kindergarten

Holbæk, Denmark – A pioneering pilot project under the NonHazCity3 (NHC3) initiative is setting new benchmarks for toxin-free construction as the municipality tested advanced chemical safety standards in the building of the new Jyderup kindergarten. The effort aims to safeguard the aquatic environment, protect human health, and promote more sustainable, low-chemical buildings.

The Holbæk pilot focused on evaluating whether the materials used in the DGNB Gold–certified kindergarten met the higher chemical safety expectations aligned with sustainability certifications that go beyond national legislation. The project highlights how municipalities can benefit from using environmental certification systems to push for safer construction materials and reduce hazardous substances in building stock.

While DGNB is known for its holistic sustainability assessment, it places less emphasis on chemical content. Therefore, the pilot compared DGNB-approved materials with other certification schemes—such as Nordic Swan, LEED, and Miljöbyggnad—which prioritize chemical safety more strongly. To ensure rigorous assessment, materials were cross-checked using Sweden’s BVB database, which categorizes products using a green–yellow–red scale based on health and environmental performance.

The Jyderup kindergarten itself showcases the use of simple, natural, and durable materials. Its façade consists of modular wooden columns made from salt-impregnated pinewood, reducing the need for hazardous protective treatments. Indoors, natural materials like wood and linoleum were prioritized. Large canopies both protect the building façade and improve indoor climate by reducing overheating, extending the lifespan of materials and contributing to overall sustainability.

One of the key lessons learned was the critical value of collecting high-quality data for traceability. A material logbook, such as that provided by the BVB system, supports transparency and ensures that all components meet chemical safety standards. This aligns with Denmark’s national push for constructing buildings that enable future reuse of materials, increasing the need for reliable documentation throughout the life cycle of a building.

The insights from Holbæk’s pilot contribute to a broader roadmap for achieving toxin-free construction across the municipality. Best practice examples and detailed descriptions of strategic solutions are available in the NHC3 Output 2.2 report.

Holbæk’s commitment positions it as a frontrunner in advancing healthier, more sustainable construction practices across the Baltic Sea region.

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