Is a crisis needed to shift to a more resource efficient society?

More efficient use of existing buildings

In the short term, it is of course important to be able to complete the projects that are underway, but it is also important that we review the need for buildings – or rather the need for built spaces – for various activities. There is great potential to use existing buildings more efficiently, such as using less space per activity or sharing spaces over time. Today we know that many premises are empty most of the day/week, which is a waste of resources. Sweden also has one of the highest living areas per person in the world.

Sustainable construction has mainly involved new production

In recent years, much focus has been on sustainable construction, which has mainly involved sustainable new production, but I think the focus must shift to sustainable management and sustainable renovation, and that we must take advantage of the buildings that already exist and use them more efficiently. Every new building that is built or any new material or product used in an existing building has a carbon footprint and is a resource that is consumed.

Preserve and renovate for a longer service life

When there is a shortage of materials and higher prices, we must take advantage of the buildings and materials that we already have and repair and renovate them so that they last a long time. When we tear something down, we must reuse the products and materials, and if this is not possible, we must recycle them directly.

We can start by preserving and, if necessary, renovating existing structures and materials to extend their service life by implementing measures to prevent damage, such as leaks and moisture damage in wet areas, by checking the condition of roofing, window seals, and waterproofing in wet rooms, basements and foundations, and if we see changes or damage, we must investigate the causes and rectify them immediately.

I believe that we were very good at ensuring sustainability in the past. We were more careful with our resources and made sure things would last a long time and be repairable. A kitchen used to last 20-30 years – sometimes longer. If sanded and repainted, the cupboards last for many years and could even be repaired. Today, kitchens and appliances are thrown out when a new owner comes in, floors torn out and walls are taken down.  Priority is given to renovating the surface layers and furnishing instead of the important technical renovations that extend the life of the building and components.

Our attitude to what already exists must change

I think the biggest obstacle to sustainable renovation today is our attitude towards old versus new. Our view that new is best must change! We must shift from a throwaway society to resource efficiency. We need to raise our knowledge and expertise when it comes to conscientiously planning renovation, rebuilding or adapting a building for another use, and we must strengthen our knowledge of how to renovate and rebuild. We need a new trend that promotes the use of existing buildings and materials, and that promotes preservation, renovation, utilisation, and restoration.

What do we need to achieve this?

To achieve this, we need: More knowledge and information about careful renovation. Higher taxation on materials and products instead of on labour. Climate declarations for existing buildings and a carbon budget for operation as well as the materials and products used in both new and existing buildings.

The positive effects for property owners will be better management of resources, materials, and energy, the preservation of cultural heritage, higher demand for high-quality products/materials that last a long time, and greater appreciation of the existing stock, materials, products, design and their value, and lower future costs relating to damage and faults.

We can’t afford to fail

If we fail in this, we will continue to live with wasted resources, high climate impact from the construction sector (which means we will not achieve our climate goals), high costs for building materials, high construction costs (which equate to high rental costs), high costs for damage, and lost cultural heritage. New materials and products are often of a low quality, have a short service life, and are difficult to repair, which corresponds to high costs in the future to repair what we build today.

Can the crisis we are experiencing with shortages of building materials and inflating costs lead to a positive development in the building industry? Yes, I think it can accelerate the transition we have already begun towards more sustainable and circular construction, renovation, and management. We simply cannot afford to not view our existing building stock as an amazing resource and not utilise and preserve what already exists.