What has Skövdebostäder done so far?
We are constantly working to reduce our environmental impact in both big and small ways. This involves both improving our own operations and creating the conditions for our tenants to live sustainably.
Over the past year, for example, we have:
- We have reduced the number of vehicles powered by fossil fuels to zero. We have gradually replaced our vehicles and machinery, and the majority are now powered by electricity. A small portion runs on environmentally friendly HVO diesel or biogas.
- We have installed solar panels in several of our neighborhoods. In the Hästhoven neighborhood, we Hästhoven a facility that stores solar energy in batteries.
- We have retrofitted all of our washing machines in the laundry rooms. They now draw hot water directly instead of heating the water themselves. This means the company is both saving energy and shortening each wash cycle by 15 minutes.
What should Skövdebostäder do going forward?
We have two major goals moving forward:
- Skövdebostäder aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 (compared to 2020).
- Skövdebostäder aims to achieve net-zero climate emissions by 2040.
Based on these, we will now develop plans for how to achieve our goals. When it comes to our climate impact, our tenants’ transportation and our construction activities have the greatest impact—but other factors also play a role.
Achieving these goals will require hard work and improvements in many areas of our operations. We hope you’ll join us on this journey!
What can I do as a tenant?
As a tenant, there are several things you can do to reduce your environmental impact. Here are a few tips:
- Review your transportation options. Cycling or taking the bus reduces your environmental impact. Skövdebostäder offers service stations in several areas if your bike needs a little TLC before spring.
- Sort your waste at the source. This means, for example, that your packaging can be turned into new products. Read more about how to sort your waste in the tenant guide.
- Sell the things you don't need at our flea market on April 1! Read more about the flea market here.
- Rinse with cold water only when the water temperature doesn't matter. Also, run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full.
Why should we reduce our environmental impact?
The average temperature has risen by more than one degree since pre-industrial times and continues to rise. We are already seeing the effects today, with a higher likelihood of more extreme weather events—such as droughts, heat waves, and floods. Increased global warming also has negative consequences for many animals and plants. In Sweden, the impact on human health is expected to include an increased risk of infections, allergies, and heat waves affecting vulnerable groups.
