New requirements for building operations can reduce the global footprint

There is great, untapped environmental and climate potential in optimising the operations of buildings, especially large office buildings and residential complexes. Therefore, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel has now introduced criteria for building operations.

– The Nordic Swan's criteria for building operations promote resource efficiency, reduce climate impact, and help adapt buildings to climate change. We hope that many property owners will apply and join in driving the green transition of the housing sector. It is urgent to meet environmental and climate goals, says Linda Carnby, business area manager for buildings & renovation at Nordic Ecolabelling Sweden.

Demand from the market

The new criteria have two main purposes. One is to manage the part of the property portfolio that is already optimized and of high quality. The other is to improve the existing property portfolio through maintenance and optimized operations. In this way, the new criteria will help elevate the property portfolio to a more energy-efficient level.

– We already have experience in developing effective requirements for new construction and renovation of buildings. Building operations are a natural next step, and we are seeing great interest from the market, not least from companies that already hold licenses for Nordic Swan Ecolabelled new buildings and see the new requirements for building operations as a resource-efficient way to preserve the value of their buildings, Linda Carnby continues.

Nordic Swan Ecolabelled building operations are also a relevant tool for property managers of investment funds. They need to meet increasing sustainability reporting requirements for their property portfolios. This means identifying and analysing potential risks and taking actions to both adapt to and mitigate climate change. In this way, the Nordic Swan's requirements are also a valuable tool in relation to the EU taxonomy.

The Nordic Swan is also a powerful communication tool towards tenants. 98% of Swedes recognize the Nordic Swan (Nordic Consumer Sustainability Index 2024).

It is possible to Nordic Swan Ecolabel the operations of residential buildings, office buildings, and institutional buildings such as schools and kindergartens. In addition, the criteria cover facilities like nursing homes, care homes, health centers, doctor’s offices, and clinics.