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North America

From Industrial to Sustainable: Danish Expertise Meets the Demand of Urban Revitalization

With more than 40 million square feet of unused industrial space, North America is primed to become a hub of major mixed-used development. Several major projects are already underway, but a bulk of owners and developers are still seeking expertise to realize increasingly ambitious energy efficiency and affordability standards in their new builds and retrofits alike.

Danish firms, renowned for their deep expertise in integrating sustainable solutions with commercial viability, are ideally positioned to help bring these projects to life. Their familiarity with progressive regulatory frameworks, strong cross-value chain know-how, public-private partnerships, and access to state-backed project financing makes Danish companies great partners for their North American counterparts in this rapidly evolving market. In addition, successful past collaborations have earned Danish firms a strong reputation among North American clients and partners alike.

 
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The widespread transformation of post-industrial sites into sustainable, affordable communities across North America presents an optimal launchpad for the implementation of Danish solutions at scale.
says Ailish Dunn, Jr. Commercial Advisor Trade Council's Sustainable Urban Development Advisory

Several favourable market conditions strengthen North America’s appeal. As easing monetary policies coincide with policy measures to boost housing supply and funding incentives for development, investors and developers are incentivized to build now rather than later. 

Growth and market demands

Surplus industrial land is increasingly being repurposed to meet the demands of rapid population growth. In fact, the U.S. experienced its highest population increase in decades, growing nearly 1.0% between 2023 and 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Meanwhile, Toronto stands out as the fastest-growing city on the continent. Altogether, this surge in population has sparked a sharp rise in demand for both residential and commercial space, a need that is being met with the transformation of underutilized industrial areas.

Urban Projects reshaping North America

North America is experiencing a wave of climate-forward, large-scale urban development projects that are set to reshape cities and communities across the continent. These projects blend cutting-edge green technology, innovative design principles, and in certain cases, Danish expertise. Many of these projects also feature their own district energy plans, or collaborate with the locality to meet city-wide district energy goals. 

Notable projects include: 

Downsview by Northcrest: Spanning 370 acres and representing a $30B CAD investment, this project is poised to become North America’s largest urban redevelopment. Designed and executed by multiple leading Danish firms, the project targets net-zero operations by 2040, embraces transit-oriented development, and emphasizes adaptive reuse.

Portlands by the City of Toronto: Covering approx. 880 acres, the Portlands project will transform former brownfields into 12,500 homes, commercial space, and public areas. The project features ambitious energy and transportation strategies, zero-waste, and flood protection measures. A notable part of this development is Ookwemin Minising, meaning "place of black cherry trees" in Anishinaabemowin, a transformative mixed-use development focused on market-rate rentals, commercial spaces, and ecological restoration.

Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT) by the City of NY: This historical complex is undergoing a multi-phase transformation into a modern hub for innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability. Key elements include a 112,000 sqft expansion in line with the City’s goal to create 400,000 “green jobs” by 2040, and a planned $100M USD facility for clean manufacturing. BAT is part of NYCEDC’s Sunset Park Portfolio, collectively reactivating 200 acres of underutilized waterfronts.

Jericho Lands by MST Partnership and Canada Lands Company: This indigenous-led, 90-acre development in Vancouver aims to create a sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhood in the West Point Grey area. The project aims to be a low-carbon neighbourhood and has committed to reserving at least 30% of the residential building floor area for social and secured rental housing.

Unlocking the potential

So how can you leverage this opportunity? The Trade Council of Denmark in North America unites wide-ranging Danish expertise to open doors and create opportunities for Danish firms in the built environment.

The Sustainable Urban Development Advisory (SUDA) specifically works to connect real estate, municipalities, financial institutions and solutions providers across North America to empower Danish firms’ involvement in the transformation of industrial land.

We support Danish companies in developing their North American efforts through market insights, high level access, end client engagement and local representation, through activities like workshops, webinars and delegations. If your company therefore has an interest in doing business in either U.S. and/or Canada, we’d be happy to learn more and explore how we might support your efforts. See how to get in touch below!

For more information, please contact:

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