Many Swedish buildings were built in a different era. Today, extreme weather conditions are becoming more frequent. This puts new stresses on buildings that can be difficult to withstand. But who is responsible for preventing damage and protecting buildings? The answer is not simple.
– For example, in the event of a major flood, property owners sometimes feel that it is the municipality that has failed to take responsibility. However, it is the property owner who should be protecting themselves against the climate risks in question, says Stina Stenquist from RISE.
As temperatures, precipitation and sea levels continue to rise, it is important that our properties are built to withstand the stresses. This is now a natural part of new construction, but it's a different story for existing properties. This is not surprising, says Stina Stenquist, project manager at RISE.
– When they were built, the circumstances were completely different, and so the risk levels that were relevant at the time were taken into account. The situation is different now, so we need to adapt, she says.
Adaptation of existing buildings is lagging behind
However, work on the adaptation of existing buildings is lagging behind, she notes.
– Too often we see that they don't start until something happens. By then it is too late. This is unfortunate for a number of reasons: firstly, it is likely to affect a number of people personally. Secondly, it is usually much cheaper to prevent damage than to repair it once it has occurred.
In addition, the EU taxonomy and CSRD need to be taken into account for companies that have to report under these systems, such as large property companies. According to Moa Hamré, also project manager at RISE.
– These reporting systems are designed to make it easier for fund managers and other investors who want to invest their money in a sustainable way, for example by allowing real estate companies to demonstrate how climate-friendly they are. As a reporting real estate company, you have to carry out climate and vulnerability analyses with corresponding proposals for action, she says.
The property owner is responsible
There are several reasons why the work has not progressed as far as Stina Stenquist and Moa Hamré would like. One is that many property owners are not aware of their responsibilities when it comes to reducing vulnerability and adapting their properties to the risks that climate change may bring.
– For example, in the event of a major flood, property owners sometimes feel that it is the municipality that has failed in its responsibilities - when in fact it is the property owner who should be protecting themselves against the relevant climate risks. This is clearly stated in the national climate adaptation strategy, says Stina Stenquist. It is therefore important to work preventively, systematically identifying risks and planning concrete measures to address them.
– There is a clear need to raise awareness of the responsibilities of property owners. This includes taking the necessary measures to protect their property from, for example, floods, extreme heat, landslides and erosion. But responsibility also includes repairing damage to buildings and land when necessary, says Moa Hamré.
Her advice to property owners is to do as much as they can themselves. At the same time, she says, it will not be possible to protect against all climate risks within one's own property boundaries. This is one of the challenges: the need to work together to adapt to climate change.
– Depending on the circumstances and the measures involved, cooperation may be needed between, for example, property owners, the local authority and the water company. Insurance companies can also play an active role in such a project, she says.
There is a clear need to raise awareness of the responsibilities of property owners
Identifying properties at risk
So there are good reasons for accelerating work, but also challenges. RISE has taken this into account and is working on risk analysis and climate adaptation planning in several ways.
– One important step is to identify which properties are considered more vulnerable than others. There are good opportunities to do this and we are working on a standardised form to report this. This knowledge could then be communicated through a climate resilience declaration, says Stina Stenquist. RISE also has departments for testing new solutions and can provide expert analysis of what needs to be done if a property is affected by extreme weather.
Extract from the legal framework for adaptation to climate change
The division of responsibilities is formulated in the National Strategy and Action Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change:
"The responsibility for preventing and repairing damage caused by extreme weather events is no different from the responsibility for other risk assessment, emergency preparedness and crisis management in society. The basic principle is that the responsibility for protecting property rests primarily with the property owner. This applies to all property owners, both individuals and companies and public authorities".
(Government Letter 2023/24:97)
