Sustainable property management in practice: “It must become more expensive to do the wrong thing and cheaper to do the right thing.”

The property sector is undergoing a major transition. Through long term commitment, technological development and strong engagement, Platzer has succeeded in reducing its energy use by 40 percent.  “The most important thing is to understand the buildings and work with them continuously,” says Åsa Lindell, Head of Sustainability at Platzer.

Balancing energy efficiency, climate responsibility and profitability is a challenge for many companies. But for Platzer, sustainability is not just a target, it is at the core of the business. Åsa Lindell emphasises that it cannot be treated as a side issue, but must permeate everything from strategy to everyday decisions.

“Sustainability is not only about technology, but also about behaviour and collaboration. That is when it becomes concrete,” she says.

Lindell has followed the development of the sector for two decades and has seen how the perspective has changed.

“When I started my career, energy was a major issue, but quite narrow. Today sustainability has broadened enormously, from energy to climate, social issues and urban development,” she says.

Step by step towards long term sustainability

As early as 2010, Platzer began allocating an annual budget for energy efficiency. A decision that has led to a 40 percent reduction in energy use, even though the company has simultaneously acquired older properties.

“It has not been a straight line, but through long term commitment and persistence we have managed to improve even properties with less favourable conditions,” Åsa Lindell explains.

She compares the work to “building a mountain of peanuts”. One step at a time, where many small improvements together create major results.

“We optimise measurement and control systems, install energy efficient fans, pumps, LED lighting and better insulation. But the most important thing is to understand the buildings and work with them continuously. We adjust and fine tune until everything operates as efficiently as possible.”

Today, sustainability is an integrated part of daily operations. Rapid follow up and action in case of deviations are crucial.

“Our technical property managers must be able to act immediately, and we maintain a continuous dialogue with tenants. Energy efficiency is a shared responsibility,” says Lindell.

Engagement within the organisation is strong.

“Our property managers take pride in the results. Their commitment is what truly makes the difference.”

The entire organisation must be involved – technology, sustainability and finance

Technology and investments are not enough without engagement from all parts of the company. In her role as Head of Sustainability, Lindell sees herself as an enabler. To create involvement, Platzer has established a sustainability council with representatives from across the organisation.

“I can do as much as I want, but if the entire organisation is not involved, nothing happens. We must make the targets concrete so that everyone understands their role.”

Platzer aims to reduce energy use to 70 kWh per square metre by 2025, and by a further ten percent by 2030. The work focuses on making the existing portfolio more energy efficient and attractive.

“When it comes to climate, Platzer has set ambitious targets, halving emissions across the value chain by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2040. This is demanding and requires us to take care of the properties we already have and extend their lifespan. Energy optimisation is part of this,” says Lindell.

Sustainability that pays off

Although economic drivers have long been strongest in the property sector, Lindell believes that sustainability and business value now go hand in hand.

“An ambitious sustainability strategy pays off in the long term. Green loans are one example of how financial incentives can drive the right development, even if the benefits are not always immediately visible.”

Green loans, rising energy prices and increased demands from investors make sustainability a clear business issue. At the same time, the EU’s new sustainability reporting directive, CSRD, has created some uncertainty. Many companies had progressed far in their preparations when a proposal was presented that 80 percent of companies would no longer be covered.

“It created concern, but the work has still provided valuable insights. Today we look at the entire value chain and take broader responsibility,” says Lindell.

However, she underlines that real change requires more than regulations and reporting.

“It must become more expensive to do the wrong thing and cheaper to do the right thing. Emissions and inefficient energy use must carry a cost, otherwise progress will be too slow.”

Collaboration creates real change

To take the next step forward, Lindell emphasises the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing between different stakeholders.

“We need meeting places where we can share concrete cases and discuss solutions together with energy companies, investors and other actors. That is where real development happens.”

Clima Energy Nordic is such an arena, where key players in the sector meet, share experience and find joint solutions. Here, sustainability gains a practical dimension, where both large and small actors contribute to a shared vision for the sustainable properties of the future.

“I believe in forums where we can meet across areas of expertise, go deeper technically and discuss how we create real change together,” Lindell concludes.

Åsa’s three best tips for property companies

1. Work long term and systematically
   • Set a clear strategy and allocate resources every year. Small, consistent steps make a big difference over time. Energy efficiency is not about quick wins, but about continuously adjusting, measuring and fine tuning.
2. Involve the entire organisation
   • Sustainability work cannot be driven from the sidelines. Everyone must understand their role, from technical managers to executive management. Create forums where issues can be discussed across functions so that targets become concrete and relevant to all.
3. Make it profitable to do the right thing
   • Drive change through both business value and responsibility. Use financial incentives such as green loans and energy efficiency targets, but also push for frameworks where it becomes more expensive to emit and cheaper to make the right choices.

Clima Energy Nordic is the Nordic region’s new meeting place for sustainable and energy efficient buildings and facilities. With a focus on efficient energy use in heating, ventilation and cooling for indoor climate, property owners, investors, installers, suppliers, consultants, researchers and decision makers come together to drive the development towards sustainable buildings, facilities and profitable investments.

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