NUDGE led to lower consumption and new knowledge

It’s now easier to thoroughly clean the corridor – with gentle cleaning agents! The students have received a special edition of the book “Städa hållbart med Ekotipset” (Clean Sustainably with Eco-Hacks), along with eco-friendly cleaning materials.

Since 2016, AF Bostäder has reported – and considerably reduced – emissions from its own operations, from purchased energy and from business travel. In line with the aims of Climate Neutral Lund, we are continuing to track down other indirect emissions.

In September, AF Bostäder organised its first second-hand market and many things switched owners – from students to students. Simple, social, enjoyable and, of course, circular.

At Kämnärsrätten, AF Bostäder is conducting one of Sweden’s largest initiatives for long-term sustainable student housing. Pireus was inaugurated in 2023, and in two stages around 250 students have moved into a green and inviting place with space for both socialising and seclusion. All in a living environment so sound and climate-friendly that it has been awarded the Nordic Swan label.

From the starting point of sustainable operational goals and the issues that the company’s stakeholders care about, AF Bostäder’s design of outdoor environments is based increasingly on sustainability. Here, there is scope for security and enjoyment, as well as climate adaption and biodiversity.

AF Bostäder is setting up an increasing number of areas with an aim to promote insects and birdlife. Biotopia opened in November 2022 – a buzzing housing area for insects.

In 2022, Sweden was affected by dramatic rises in electricity costs and the risk of electricity shortages, and it became more important to help out in saving electricity for financial and solidarity reasons. AF Bostäder has for many years worked in a target-oriented way on improving energy efficiency, and the initiatives have been continually expanded. During the autumn, the company also launched a campaign to encourage students to be economical with electricity.

AF Bostäder works preventively on runoff water management in order to reduce the risk of damage from torrential rain. According to a risk review by VA Syd, preparedness is predominately good.

AF Bostäder uses district heating to heat almost all the radiators and hot water in its properties. District heating is a locally produced, easy-to-manage, reliable, resource-efficient and cost-effective form of heating. It is also eco-friendly – 99.8% of the district heating in Lund consists of renewable, recycled heat.

In November, Lund University organised Climathon on the theme of Sustainable Student Housing, with AF Bostäder as principal partner. Exciting ideas were contributed by both Lund residents and students.

The Swedish construction industry has come a long way regarding recycling, and now the focus is increasingly turning towards reuse and circular construction. In connection with demolition work at Kämnärsrätten, AF Bostäder has carried out several successful projects for the reuse of fixtures and fittings. The company notes that reuse on a larger scale requires new knowledge, new networks and far-reaching changes in the sector.

In order to enhance wellbeing, some of the larger corridors at Delphi has been converted into smaller units. The tenants have been involved in choosing the colour schemes.

In a two-year initiative, AF Bostäder has renovated and renewed the outdoor environment at Ulrikedal. In addition to technical maintenance and improved waste systems, the initiative has given the students secure, well-lit bicycle parking spaces, pleasant areas for socialising where lawns and meadows are interspersed with barbecue areas, boule court, outdoor gym and much more.

AF Bostäder has achieved good results in measuring and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in its own operations and from purchased energy. Now, the focus is intensifying on other indirect emissions. A recent review is to form the basis for reducing emissions from new construction projects and property management.

One of AF Bostäder’s prioritised global goals concerns protecting biodiversity and natural living environments. AF Bostäder promotes a great variety of species by means such as confining new construction to areas with already impervious surfaces and laying sedum roofs. Much remains to be done and several new initiatives are under way.

The students can hand in waste such as batteries, electronic devices, light sources and bulky furniture in the Green Room, which also has the popular recycling shelf where objects disappear just as fast as they are handed in.

Since 2020, AF Bostäder has carried out climate impact calculations for all new construction projects, something that will be required by law from 2022. The aim is to map and reduce the impact of new construction on the climate.