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.
“Some companies write two codes of conduct, one for themselves and one for suppliers,” says Emmy Dahlskog, Financial Officer at AF Bostäder. “Instead, we have chosen to have a joint Code of Conduct. We want to promote close cooperation in which we expect our partners to do their best to meet our requirements and make a point of proposing improvements in our operations.”
AF Bostäder develops, owns and manages student housing for students at Lund University. The vision is to be the best student housing company in Sweden. The operations are based on AF Bostäder’s core values, which state that the company shall act responsibly, innovatively and considerately to create an attractive and welcoming environment.
“We are to run a ‘a sustainable AF Bostäder’,” says Emmy Dahlskog. “The concept of sustainability encompasses social, environmental and economic sustainability. To clarify what that means for us, we have divided up the Code of Conduct into the same areas that we use in our Sustainability Report in order to pursue, prioritise and communicate our sustainability management work. It involves working in the best interests of the students, offering sustainable housing, providing a workplace that creates value and being a responsible player with a long-term approach.”
“In each area, we have formulated specific requirements both for us and for our partners,” states Emmy Dahlskog. “We have taken some inspiration from sector colleagues and sector organisations, but the formulations mainly stem from our own sustainability-related operational goals.”
The Code of Conduct was drawn up by a project group consisting of staff members from virtually all parts of the organisation. Both the management and board have been engaged in the work.
“Considerable energy has been devoted to setting the requirements at the right level,” says Emmy Dahlskog. “They are to be reasonable and possible to implement as well as being effective and relevant. For example, we have been careful not to repeat what is already regulated in laws and ordinances. It is better that the Code of Conduct highlights other areas.”
“During 2020, we tested the Code of Conduct with a small group of our suppliers. We collected feedback, which we then used to fine-tune the details. Subsequently, we began to present the Code of Conduct to all partners. As of 2021, it will be an appendix to all new agreements that we sign. So, each individual copy is signed by both our partner and us to indicate that the job is to be carried out together”, says Emmy Dahlskog.
Latest update May 12, 2021