Growth, innovation and a focus on future challenges

According to Artelia, the future revolves around three things: using the knowledge and expertise the company possesses to transform the existing building stock; strengthening technological and industrial independence in Europe; and actively contributing to the solutions needed to meet the growing demand for energy.

Transformation and circularity
One of the areas that, according to Artelia, will fill up more space in the order books is, as mentioned, transformation and circularity. Here, the green transition and resource scarcity have helped set a clear direction for the industry and increased the need for more reuse and fewer demolitions. Particularly areas such as renovation and transformation are therefore experiencing significant growth—both in Denmark in general and at Artelia.

“When buildings from the past need to meet today’s requirements and expectations, it requires specialised knowledge and experience. This is an area where we have excelled for many years, and where we have expanded further. It has resulted in many projects in 2025, and we have positive expectations for even more expansion in 2026,” says Alex Fraenkel.

When it comes to the reuse of building materials, new legal requirements for selective demolition and resource mapping are driving development forward. Artelia has trained several environmental resource coordinators to handle selective demolition and has chosen to take it a step further by establishing a multidisciplinary knowledge centre for circularity in construction and civil works—an initiative designed to help drive new practices in the market.

Technological independence
A new global situation has increased the need for being more self-sufficient in critical technology. This is also seen in the construction sector, where demand is rising for high-tech facilities, industrial buildings and research environments that can support innovation and industry.

The interest in the new building for DTU Space is a good example, as the building houses facilities where specially designed instruments for space missions are developed. Artelia is the engineering firm for the new research building, which includes cleanroom environments for the production of advanced technology and therefore represents the type of facilities for which there may be far greater demand in the future.

Alex Fraenkel expects that the global situation will lead to more industrial facilities on Danish soil, both private and public. A scenario for which Artelia is well prepared, Alex Fraenkel points out:

“We have a long history in the industrial sector with experience in both research facilities and other industries such as high-tech. That is why we have a strong professional foundation that makes us well-equipped to participate in the design and construction of facilities that can provide the framework for the innovation that is coming.”

Energy and excess heat
The European energy system is facing pressure that is only increasing in line with rising production, more data centres and a general increase in energy consumption.

“There are clear signs that rising energy demand could become a challenge, which is why action is needed. In the short term, steps must be taken to address both energy production and supply. I believe it is worth looking into, among other things, how industry can supply more surplus heat to the district heating system, which Artelia have had positive experience with. But in the long-term, we also need to be open to more options to prevent an escalation in CO₂ emission. That is why we have also been calling for a more factual debate on nuclear power and better opportunities for research in this area,” says Alex Fraenkel.

The ambition to make a difference
Artelia is entering 2026 with a new five-year strategy that focuses on Artelia’s role as a global consultant and a clear ambition to have a massive presence in the company’s five markets. For Artelia, it is essential to be a consultant that not only delivers projects but actively uses knowledge to shape development. This means greater investment in expertise, in interdisciplinary knowledge centres and in the areas where Artelia can make the greatest difference for clients, society and the climate.