Anders Koefoed

Anders grew up in Copenhagen. It was clear to him early on that he wanted to create his own projects and to construct something new. He spent much time as a child building with Lego, and being both fascinated with the technical aspects of building and the aesthetics, he chose to study engineering. In the 80's, Anders became more and more aware of the environmental crisis we are facing at a global level, but instead of viewing this as a threat with fear, he saw that with his skills as an engineer he could actually rather play a role in developing solutions.

"Sustainable product development has mostly been focusing on energy efficiency in the recent years, but now we see materials receiving more attention"

After years working in product development working with plastics and light design, Anders decided it was time for a stronger focus on sustainability. In 2009, he changed the name of his company to Green Machine, to reflect this focus. Green Machine is a product development consultancy that helps companies develop products using more sustainable materials that also have a long life span. The focus of Green machine is to look at the whole life cycle of a product as well as making it in an economically feasible way; thereby making the sustainable way an attractive path for companies to follow.

"With the awareness that products are contributing to climate problems, I wanted to help make companies aware that there are alternative less harmful ways to making products"

Being an engineer, Anders, in addition to being a super adept recycler sorting his waste, finds solutions to repair his own household items that normally are designed for a shorter lifespan. He also makes his home well insulated, with a good air quality, and is working with the other apartments in his house creating common solutions for energy, water and material conservation of the whole building. Overall, Anders has a positive impact on companies, the products we end up buying And his closest environment!

"I look at it as my duty. And it gives me a sense of accomplishment to know that I am doing something that is fulfilling and also good for the society"