About
Visiting Denmark offers a unique educational experience centered on sustainability, providing valuable insights into one of the world’s greenest and most eco-conscious societies. Denmark consistently ranks as a leader in sustainable development, with a focus on renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable urban planning. BCA student's will explore Copenhagen’s pioneering green architecture, such as energy-efficient buildings and innovative public transportation systems, like its extensive cycling infrastructure and carbon-neutral metro. Additionally, BCA will visit Aarhus and explore enviormental educational programs, interactive museums, and guided eco-tours while incorporating visits with Danish schools in the area.
Samso: An island community off of Aarhus pointing to the future
Denmark’s municipality of the island of Samsø has completely transformed its energy system from fossil fuels to renewable energy, becoming the world’s first renewable energy island. Key results that have been achieved include: becoming carbon negative; 100% local ownership of renewable energy investments; and significant socio-economic benefits from the energy transition.
The Energy Academy on Samsø opened in 2007 and is built by local craftsmen. The house is a demonstration and meeting place for local citizens, guests and visitors with an interest in sustainable energy, community power and sustainable development. The Academy is also an organization working on many different projects related to the continuous development of Samso and on Samso becoming a fossil free island by 2030.
BCA students will be taking part in engaging discussions, interactive demonstrations, and guided tours of the island’s wind turbines, solar farms, and district heating systems.
Sustainable practices in an urban enviorment
Copenhagen is a global model of sustainable urban living, integrating eco-friendly practices into nearly every aspect of city life. The city aims to become carbon-neutral by 2025, implementing strict emissions standards and supporting infrastructure that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. This commitment to green mobility not only lowers the city's carbon footprint but also improves air quality, making Copenhagen one of the cleanest and healthiest cities in Europe. BCA students will be visitng Copenhill Plant - which turns waste into energy while doubling as an artificial ski slope and recreational space, Copenhagen International School - its solar panel-covered façade generates half of the building’s electricity needs, and Danish Architecture Center which will tour us throughout the city to discover green architecture and urban farming.
Cultural Experiences
BCA students will be visiting all the major sites of Copenhagen (New Harbor - the 17th-century port in Copenhagen, Rosenborg Palace and Tivoli Gardens) and Aarhus (old town open-air museum, ARoS art museum, and Aarhus Cathedral).
Logistics
Accommodations-TBD
Dining
Breakfast will be in our accommodations, lunch will be on the run or in markets, and dinners will be at some of the Denmark's most exciting restaurants or an evening out at Tivoli Gardens.
Transportation
After our non-stop flight to Copenhagen, we will be using the Canal boats and a Charter bus as our primary means of transportation during the trip. There will also be extensive walking and students can expect to walk around 5 miles per day.
