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Towards sustanability

Biotopia – for the insects!

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.

An illustration of what Rhodos will look like
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Rhodos – an extremely climate-friendly student housing area

AF Bostäder is implementing one of Sweden’s biggest investments in long-term sustainable student housing at Kämnärsrätten. Three of the quarters are now complete, one is close to being inaugurated and in 2022 construction began on Rhodos – a wonder in terms of sustainability and low climate impact.

A group of people running in orange t-shirts. Some are dressed up like a bunny
For students

Ready, steady, exercise!

It is well-known that we feel better in mind and body when we exercise. That is why in recent years, AF Bostäder has invited its tenants to take part in activities such as fun runs and league games in various sports, in cooperation with LUGI Motion. The interest from students is considerable and the atmosphere is great. Exercising is not only beneficial, but also very enjoyable.

A woman is sorting her laundry in front of washing machines with the logotype for
Towards sustanability

You have the power. Use it wisely!

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.

Two people shaking hands, only the arms are visible
We develop

Whistleblower system in place

At the end of 2022, AF Bostäder launched a whistleblower system in which staff can anonymously report serious misconduct. No whistleblower cases have been reported.

Hand and a computer keyboard
For students

Fewer customers affected by consequences of debt collection

Customers with several debt collection demands regarding rent may, among other things, lose their queue time. AF Bostäder has therefore launched a new service that has reduced the number of consequences resulting from debt collection cases.

Vet leaves
Towards sustanability

Good preparedness for torrential rain

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.

Four-leaf clover buildings
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The end of an era heralds new, sustainable times

When Kämnärsrätten was built in the 1960s, Hans Westman’s innovative “four-leaf clover” buildings had an important role, and in total provided accommodation for 1 000 students. Many students have good memories from these special small buildings, which, apart from in the quarter at Gylleholm, are now a thing of the past. AF Bostäder has been demolishing four-leaf clover buildings since 2016 and has started one of Sweden’s biggest investments in long-term sustainable student housing.

Keys
For students

New locks provide feeling of security at home

Everyone living at AF Bostäder is to feel secure in their home. That is why the company continuously maintains everything from outdoor environments, lighting and stairwells – to locks for housing.

Örtofta plant
Towards sustanability

District heating – a secure basis for a sustainable energy mix

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.

Bird view over Delphi
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At Delphi, 425 of 850 bathrooms are renovated and ready

In an extensive renovation project, AF Bostäder is replacing all the plumbing systems for 850 corridor rooms at Delphi. Bathrooms, accommodation, ventilation, broadband and corridor fixtures will also get a revamp. The work is following an ingenious system in which all tenants avoid disruption by moving to a newly renovated corridor – with no change in the rent.

Two students talkning in a corridor  kitchen
For students

New study on housing environment and mental health

Mental health problems are becoming more common and students are a particularly vulnerable group. Therefore, AF Bostäder wants to find out more about how student housing can affect health, and whether students can feel better depending on how they choose to live. The company has allowed two students on the psychology programme to examine the links between housing environment and mental health.

A group of students working on computers
Towards sustanability

Ideas for sustainable housing

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.

A student with a laptop
For students

New customer survey enables a better dialogue and faster measures

AF Bostäder’s vision is to be Sweden’s best student housing company. The organisation has a strong customer focus, and customer surveys, with questions covering areas such as housing, security and sustainability, form the basis for continuous initiatives regarding housing quality.

A student unpacks a box in her student room
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More accommodation places for new students

Newly admitted Lund University students whose home is outside Skåne need housing directly in order to begin their studies. The number of accommodation places earmarked for long-distance students increased in 2022.

Two students walking at Ulrikedal
For students

Despite cost increases, new rents are in line with previous years

Preparations for the year’s rent negotiations were characterised by considerable uncertainty due to the economic climate. Although AF Bostäder has been affected by costs that are no longer in relation to revenue, the company has been able to ensure that rents rose by only 2% from 1 January 2023 (1.9% 2022).

Demolition
Towards sustanability

Reuse initiatives point to future challenges

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.

A truck with banners and people
For students

Follow our policy: Go to the carnival!

As the students’ own housing company, AF Bostäder has a considerable responsibility to prudently manage its funds. In general, the company is restrained concerning sponsorship, but sees a great value in supporting the activities in student life and the Lund Carnival in particular. The sense of community in Lund’s student life is unique in Sweden, and the investments help to strengthen Lund as a university city.

Towards sustanability

Enhanced wellbeing in smaller corridors

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.

One of AF Bostäder's small electric cars are driving by on a small road surrounded by trees and grass.
For students

Caretakers focus on wellbeing and security

AF Bostäder’s caretakers have a broad job description with responsibility for everything from ongoing maintenance, repairs and inspections to taking care of outdoor environments. But the most enjoyable – and most important – is the social responsibility. Caretakers at AF Bostäder are to promote social sustainability, help the students settle in and contribute to wellbeing and security in the housing area.

Four students in a corridor kitchen. Two sit at a table talking, one is cooking by the stove and one is sitting in a sofa reading.
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Well-considered rent increases secure future housing

AF Bostäder’s rent-setting stems from a rent model based on the students’ wishes, and the annual rent increase is negotiated with the Swedish Union of Tenants (Hyresgästföreningen). As AF Bostäder is a foundation, the revenue remains entirely within the organisation, where it is used for maintenance and long-term investments.

Six of the latest housing ombudsmen are standing on a staircase
For students

“Bomben” – the students’ own housing ombudsman

AF Bostäder is a foundation with a mission to provide housing for students at Lund University. The company is closely connected to student life and the students have considerable influence. The Academic Society appoints board members as well as the students’ own housing ombudsman – “bostadsombudsman” in Swedish and generally referred to as “Bomben”.

Towards sustanability

Ulrikedal gets the best conceivable outdoor life

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.

A picture of the entrance hall of Service Centre. The walls are pink with white illustrations. There is a bench, a key cabinet, a screen for laundry rooms booking and a desk with envelopes and forms.
For students

Smart new look makes Service Centre more inviting

AF Bostäder’s Service Centre is at Sparta, directly adjacent to the company’s head office. Students visit the Service Centre to ask all kinds of questions about their housing. The Service Centre also manages procedures for keys in connection with moving.

A blurry biker cycles by on a biking lane. In the background a rapeseed field is visible.
Towards sustanability

Strong focus on indirect emissions in scope 3

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.

A postman leaving a brown package in one of the slots in a postbox.
For students

Outdoor gym and parcel drop boxes broaden range of services

AF Bostäder constantly looks for solutions to improve the housing experience and the range of services for tenants. Through cooperation with various partners, the company can find good ideas for services that suit the students. It is a customer group with certain specific conditions and interests – they work from home and rarely use a car.

Two people on a constructionsite. They are weating yellow jackets, white helmets and one of them is looking down at a blueprint while the other is looking into the camera
We develop

Code of conduct introduced

In 2020, AF Bostäder produced a code of conduct that is to ensure that AF Bostäder and the company’s partners have the same sustainability aims. The introduction continued in 2021 with a focus on close dialogue.

For students

Wishlist became fine outdoor environment

When the outdoor environment at Ulrikedal was to be revamped, the students were invited to express their wishes – with fantastic results! Ulrikedal has become a verdant place for games, sport and socialising.

An insect hotel on a red wooden hide. Green trees can be seen in the background
Towards sustanability

Sedum and meadows promote biodiversity

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.

View over Kämnärsvägen, with Hippocampus in focus
We develop

New city district generates knowledge about sustainable student housing

At Kämnärsrätten, AF Bostäder is driving one of Sweden’s largest investments in student housing. The plans cover six new quarters, and the company is on a purposeful development journey in which each new construction project becomes more innovative and sustainable than the last. The last quarter is the best by far – and the next will be even better.

Well-filled recycling shelf in the Green Room
Towards sustanability

Success for the recycling shelves!

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.

For students

Continued initiatives for mental health

An increasing number of students are affected by mental health problems. AF Bostäder has run the Help information project since 2019 to help more people get the right support. The initiatives continued in 2021 with education, lectures and film production, as well as preventive leisure activities, which have rapidly become popular.

Towards sustanability

Emissions target for building projects

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.

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New whistleblower function

AF Bostäder has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of corruption. The company has both internal guidelines for business ethics and a code of conduct for staff and partners. A whistleblower function will also be established soon.

Picture from within an apartment at Studentlyckan. From the hall a living room and a bedroom is visible
For students

More photos for better accommodation selection

At AF Bostäder, the viewing of housing and the renting out process are conducted digitally on the website. To make things easier for students, new and better photos and films will be available to show the housing areas.

Fat container in the Green room at Ulrikedal
Towards sustanability

Fat collection fuels emissions reduction!

Cooking fat that is disposed of in the kitchen sink can cause damage to drains and sewers and attract pests, but if the fat is collected, it can be converted into biofuel. In a pilot project, the students have recycled a total of 700 kilos of cooking fat, and the initiative is now being expanded.

Student fixing with her bike in a bike repair room
For students

New places for bicycle repairs

A bicycle is the best way to get around in Lund, and the students would like to fix their bicycles where they live. For that reason, AF Bostäder is opening more bicycle repair rooms.

Picture of the smoking area
Towards sustanability

Ash deals with cigarette butts!

Most of us know that cigarette butts should not be discarded on the ground or in nature, but even so they tend to end up there. With a newly started nudging project at Delphi, AF Bostäder wants to inspire more people to dispose of their cigarette butts in the correct way, for the benefit of wellbeing and the environment. At the heart of the project is AF Bostäder’s newly engaged staff member: Ash.

A picture of the buildning AF Borgen with
For students

Sponsorship with an emphasis on student life

As the students’ own housing company, AF Bostäder has a great responsibility to carefully manage the foundation’s funds. In general, the company is restrained regarding sponsorship, but contributes every year to events and activities that are significant for student life.

Three students in a corridor kithen at Vildanden
We develop

High demand, but there is housing for everyone

There is a high demand for housing adapted for students in Lund, but there are many alternatives and most people who are admitted for studies have some form of housing at the start of the semester. AF Bostäder is working in the long term to increase accommodation, and new student housing quarters are taking shape.

A logo with a health care cross with the text
For students

The right help for mental health problems

Mental health problems affect more than one in two students. AF Bostäder launched the Help information project to increase knowledge among students and staff and to offer assistance for those affected.

An AF Bostäder employee is using the machine with hot water to get rid of weeds
Towards sustanability

New non-toxic plant protection system uses hot water

AF Bostäder has improved its plant protection system. Now, weeds are cleared from impervious surfaces using only hot water. The system is efficient, eco-friendly and easy to use.

Aerial photo of the construction of Hippocampus, with crane and scaffolding.
Towards sustanability

Introduction of climate impact calculations

AF Bostäder has begun to carry out climate impact calculations for new construction, starting with Hippocampus. The aim is to map emission sources and in time reduce the climate impact of new construction.

Newly renovated pink kitchen, seating, dining table and staircase in 50's style
We develop

Sustainable and homely with a touch of the 1950s

The corridor accommodation at Tomegapsgården 15 was renovated during the summer of 2020. The theme throughout was to create a homely atmosphere, and with interior design in a 1950s style the corridor accommodation has been restored to its former glory.

Tomegapsgården's courtyard with bicycles, barbecue area and volleyball court.
For students

All-inclusive – if the customer could decide

It is becoming increasing common for property owners to divide up the rent invoice into several component parts. Water, heating, electricity, TV, broadband and so on are specified – and measured – separately. Based on the customers’ wishes, AF Bostäder chose to go in the opposite direction.

8 employees stand and sit with balloons outside the Green Room at Vildanden.
Towards sustanability

Green Room inspires reuse

AF Bostäder’s bulky waste stations have been given a new design to inspire the students to minimise their waste, increase their recycling and find satisfaction in reuse. Say hello to the Green Room!

The facades of Studentlyckan with colorful balconies in red, blue, green and yellow.
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Smooth path to newly renovated Studentlyckan

Studentlyckan, established in 1960, is one of AF Bostäder’s most popular housing areas. The area is pleasant with a park-like courtyard environment and well-known for its facades with tiling in different colours. Studentlyckan was designed by Hans Westman and is in easy walking distance of the centre.

Background wall with cornfield and the Öresund Bridge in the corridor and a newly renovated bathroom with cerise floor and white tiles.
For students

Replumbing work the customer-friendly way

Starting in 2020, all the bathrooms at Delphi will be renovated and the piping replaced. In parallel, the accommodation and corridors will be revamped, and all the rooms will have faster broadband. All the tenants will be moved to housing with newly renovated bathrooms, so that no one has to put up with the renovation work. All corridor friends have the opportunity to move together.

Coworker in a pink electric car
Towards sustanability

Continuing challenge to be 100% fossil fuel-free

In 2016, AF Bostäder decided to be 100% fossil fuel-free in terms of electricity, heating, transport and equipment by the end of 2020. A minor volume of fossil fuels is still used, but emissions have been reduced by 92%. Over the next five years, the focus will be on indirect emissions – an area in which the company has the greatest possibility to exert an influence.

Arial view over newly built quarters at Kämnärsrätten
We develop

More green spaces for better management of urban runoff

When cities become denser, green spaces are usually sacrificed to make way for impervious surfaces, which increase the load on the urban runoff network. At Kämnärsrätten, AF Bostäder is doing the opposite. With more green spaces than previously, the area is equipped for future downpours.

Underground waste system by Parentesen
Towards sustanability

Improving the living environment with underground recycling

Area by area, AF Bostäder is replacing all its waste stations with Underground Waste Systems (UWSs). Initially, it entails a considerable investment, but there are many benefits in the long term. Waste sorting increases, waste management becomes more cost-effective and above all the students get a living environment that is clean, tidy and secure.

Illustration of Hippocampus
We develop

Hippocampus – a highpoint for 233 students

In a project lasting several years, AF Bostäder is transforming the old student housing quarter at Kämnärsrätten into a green and long-term sustainable city district. Hippocampus, a varied and pleasant quarter providing space for 233 Lund students, will be completed in 2021. Among other things, the area offers a height record and one of Lund’s highest vantage points.

Four students walking at Vildanden behind some trees
For students

Study requirement checks release housing to active students

AF Bostäder is a foundation whose purpose is to offer housing to students who are admitted and active at Lund University and also members of the Studentlund association. Being an “active student” means that the tenant is to study for at least 15 credits per semester in order to keep their accommodation or place in the queue.

A pile of clothes, jeans and a pink and a beige sweater
Towards sustanability

Successful textile collection

In Sweden we are good at waste sorting, but only about 20% of clothing is recycled – something AF Bostäder wants to improve. Between 2015 and 2020, the students have collected 130 tons of textiles in easily accessible containers from Human Bridge.

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Together for sustainable development

AF Bostäder’s operations are reliant to a large extent on other companies and contractors – partners. A new Code of Conduct introduced in 2020 will therefore ensure that AF Bostäder and the company’s partners have similar sustainability ambitions. The Code of Conduct is based on cooperation, so that future sustainability procedures are developed and improved – together.

Male student with bike in front of bike parking with roof
For students

Secure bike parking spaces for all

Bikes are a key element in student life and many students want their own bike parking space. In newly-built areas almost everyone has their own space under cover, and now all the other areas are being upgraded.

Laudry room with signs about wahsing without fabric conditioner
Towards sustanability

A better feeling without fabric conditioner

Most of AF Bostäder’s laundry rooms have automatic detergent dosing, which minimises the risk of using too much detergent. From 2020, all laundry rooms are also fabric conditioner-free, which further reduces the use of chemicals.

Two students and a cat in a sofa
We develop

Radon measurements completed

To ensure the good quality of indoor air in student housing, AF Bostäder has carried out long-term measurements of radon in all residential properties.

Lamp in grass
Towards sustanability

Brilliant energy savings

During 2020, AF Bostäder changed older light sources to LEDs on facades and lampposts, and in stairwells at four housing areas. The switch means more efficient lighting, longer lamp lifetime, increased security and an energy saving of 70%.