Sustainability in the long term

The Vildanden Art Exchange opened in March and was inaugurated with a premiere exhibition, canapés and sparkling wine. It all started when caretaker Jonas Ekman saw all the fine paintings that the students left in the bulky waste station, the Green Room.

AF Bostäder has surpassed its latest energy target – to reduce consumption in the older properties of the portfolio by 10% between 2020 and 2024. The company has now formulated a new target, focusing on a reduction in the volume of purchased energy. Activities over the next five years will include increased investments in internal electricity production.

At AF Bostäder, all tenants are to be given an equal assessment of the condition of their housing. The company has therefore strengthened its procedures for move-out inspections.

Using broad initiatives, students are to be inspired to reduce their waste and increase their waste sorting. Reduced residual waste is good for the climate and environment and means cost-savings in waste management. During 2024, AF Bostäder deepened its cooperation with the waste management utility, Lunds Renhållningsverk, renovated waste rooms, opened an Art Exchange and launched the waste sorting campaign, Buzz of the month.

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.

Within the scope of the NUDGE energy network, AF Bostäder is expected to reduce energy consumption at Gylleholm by 30%. Collaboration within the network has also led to new knowledge.