The construction and real estate sector is well known for its significant climate impact, but it is also a sector where a great deal is currently happening and where engagement is strong.
The construction and real estate sector is well known for its significant climate impact. At the same time, it is a sector where major changes are currently underway and where engagement is high. In this article, Lina Öien, Head of Sustainable Development at Riksbyggen, explains what the sector — and housing cooperatives in particular — can do to help Sweden reach its climate targets by 2030.
Today, there are more than one million cooperative apartments in Sweden, home to over two million people. This represents enormous potential. Housing cooperatives could even become a driving force in the climate transition, says Lina Öien, Head of Sustainable Development at Riksbyggen.
When Lina took part in a panel discussion at Byggmaterialdagen at Stockholmsmässan in November on how Sweden can achieve its climate goals, there was strong consensus among participating companies: both incentives and regulatory pressure are needed from policymakers.
“If we are to succeed in halving our climate impact by 2030, we must increase the pace. Housing cooperatives hold significant investment potential and opportunities to reduce emissions across the country,” says Lina
To make this possible, the sector needs knowledge, a systematic approach — and support from policy.
New construction has the greatest impact
Climate impact is at its highest during new construction — which is also where the greatest potential for change lies. However, additional support is needed.
“One example is the legislation on climate declarations. We would like to see clear limit values instead of the current requirement to merely report emissions. That change would provide greater clarity and long-term predictability,” she explains.
A systematic approach to halving emissions
The construction and real estate sector has a shared roadmap aimed at halving emissions by 2030. At Riksbyggen, this work is guided by the 25 + 25 strategy — a structured approach to reducing emissions across all projects.
“Twenty-five percent comes from mandatory requirements in every project, such as climate-improved concrete. The remaining 25 percent comes from project-specific measures, such as the use of reused materials,” Lina Öien explains.
Don’t forget the existing building stock
Most of what we will use in the future is already built, and the existing building stock must not be overlooked, Lina emphasizes.
“Here, measures such as energy efficiency improvements can be implemented, or the building stock can be developed by adding new housing within existing structures.”
“We need both carrots and sticks from policymakers to make this happen. Ideally, green support schemes for housing cooperatives to create financial incentives for action — and, of course, more knowledge,” she says.
Financial realities shape decisions — but action is being taken
“Riksbyggen is a cooperative organization, and we firmly believe in the collective power of doing this together. We contribute technical and financial expertise and share good examples to inspire and enable learning,” says Lina.
She notes that interest is strong, but that housing cooperatives and their boards are largely guided by financial considerations such as interest rates and energy costs. Monthly fees must be kept in check, which often influences short-term decision-making.
“Even so, we see growing interest in climate issues, energy use, and also in social sustainability — such as safety and well-being in residential areas,” she says.
As an example, she highlights the housing cooperative Skellefteåhus 12, which recently received the Housing Cooperative of the Year for Sustainability award for its long-term commitment. The cooperative has carried out an extensive energy project with a new heating solution, improved ventilation and insulation, and has also invested in social cohesion through member events and a sustainability group. These are measures that could be implemented by housing cooperatives across Sweden.
What happens if the sector does not receive sufficient policy support?
“There is a risk that progress will slow. Lead times are long, and by the time the new housing projects we are currently planning and developing are completed, we will be close to 2030. That’s why maintaining momentum is critical — it’s essential to ensure that the green transition does not lose speed,” Lina Öien concludes.
