Wåhlin Fastigheter, one of Stockholm's leading family-owned real estate companies, takes the approach of managing its properties and courtyards "forever". As one of the first real estate companies, it has now, together with Ecogain, developed clear guidelines on how to promote biodiversity in its daily operations.
Biodiversity has been somewhat overshadowed in the sustainability and climate debate. Yet, according to the World Economic Forum, biodiversity loss is one of the biggest global risks right now.
- Patrik Lindqvist, CEO of Wåhlin Fastigheter.
Sustainability has long been an essential part of Wåhlin Fastigheter's business concept. Now the company is choosing to focus on biodiversity in its daily and long-term management. The guidelines for how Wåhlin Fastigheter will work in a structured way with these issues have been developed in collaboration with Ecogain, which is Sweden's leading knowledge company in biodiversity and sustainable business models.
So far, the Swedish real estate industry has not been at the forefront when it comes to working in a structured way with biodiversity. The fact that Wåhlin is clearly putting its foot down is extremely gratifying and hopefully industry colleagues will follow suit."
- Anders Enetjärn, CEO of Ecogain.
For Wåhlin Fastigheter, promoting biodiversity does not conflict with the company's other ambitions and goals. Quite the opposite. Instead, they are convinced that both tenants and the company benefit.
We neither build nor manage properties to sell. We always have a long-term ambition and when we say we will manage "forever", we mean it. Of course, it is also natural to take care of plants, animals and insects in an optimal and long-term way.
- Patrik Lindqvist, CEO of Wåhlin Fastigheter.
Policies that benefit biodiversity
The purpose of the guidelines, developed by Wåhlin Fastigheter in collaboration with Ecogain, is to create outdoor environments that both promote biodiversity and benefit tenants. The guidelines describe what is expected of employees and suppliers working for Wåhlin and also contain practical tips, such as
- Use plants that favor insects.
- Mimic nearby nature in our outdoor environments.
- Install bumblebee hives and insect hotels.
- Use local plant species as much as possible.
- Use plants that favor insects, i.e. species that are rich in pollen and nectar.
"We are clear that the guidelines must be followed in every project and in our ongoing management. Of course, many actors, nationally and globally, in the real estate industry and in all other industries can do much more to promote biodiversity. Hopefully, we at Wåhlin can inspire others."- Patrik Lindqvist, CEO of Wåhlin Fastigheter.
