Wåhlin Fastigheter: Biodiversity in daily and long-term management
Wåhlin Fastigheter, one of Stockholm's leading family-owned real estate companies, works according to 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 overlooked in the sustainability and climate debate. Nevertheless, the loss of biodiversity is one of the biggest global risks right now according to the World Economic Forum." - Patrik Lindqvist, CEO of Wåhlin Fastigheter.
Long-termism and sustainability have long been an essential part of Wåhlin Fastigheter's business concept. Now they choose to put a great deal of focus on biodiversity in their day-to-day and long-term management. The guidelines for how Wåhlin Fastigheter will work with these issues have been developed in collaboration with Ecogain, which is Sweden's leading company in knowledge of 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 contrary. Instead, they are convinced that both tenants and the company benefit.
"We do not build or manage properties simply to sell them. We always have a long-term ambition and when we say we will manage "forever", we mean it. Then, of course, it is also natural to also take care of plants, animals and insects in an optimal and long-term way." - Patrik Lindqvist, CEO of Wåhlin Fastigheter.
The purpose of the guidelines, developed by Wåhlin Fastigheter in collaboration with Ecogain, is to create outdoor environments that both benefit biodiversity and that are beneficial to the tenants. It describes what is expected of employees and suppliers who work for Wåhlin and here are also 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 encourage insects, i.e. species that are rich in pollen and nectar.
"We are clear that the guidelines should be followed in each project and in our day-to-day management. Of course, several companies, nationally and globally, in the real estate industry and in all other industries can do significantly more to promote biodiversity. Hopefully we at Wåhlin can inspire others." - Patrik Lindqvist, CEO of Wåhlin Fastigheter.
