Sustainability at Balder

Balder’s framework for sustainability comprises five general elements that bring together the company’s material topics in respect of social, environmental and economic sustainability.

Balder’s framework for sustainability comprises five general elements that bring together the company’s material topics in respect of social, environmental and economic sustainability. 

PROPERTIES

Focus on reduced consumption
A large environmental impact takes place through the properties’ energy consumption and Balder works continuously to reduce energy consumption in the properties.

All electricity purchased for the properties is green electricity from renewable sources. Balder also owns two wind farms, one to the north of Falkenberg and one on Öland, producing renewable energy corresponding to the domestic electricity for about 8,000 apartments each year.

Other measures implemented to reduce energy use include window replacements, supplementary insulation of façades, adjustment or replacement of ventilation units and the replacement of light fittings.

Examples of activities:

Digitalisation of properties
Smart technical control systems that improve energy consumption are installed continuously, for example a system for individual metering of cold and hot water and optimization of the room temperature.

Maximise recycling!
One important goals is to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites by providing effective waste management facilities in the properties. To encourage recycling continuous campaigns are conducted in Balder’s residential areas often in cooperation with waste management companies.

Sustainable materials
During renovations and new construction, the goal is to minimise waste through coordinated purchasing and reuse of material.

Regular self-monitoring for the safety of tenants
There are regular inspections of the properties. Once a year, a large proportion of employees gather to do what is known as a Night Run. This involves in-depth inspections of the properties to investigate how they are running at night.

Bike and carpools

Balder prioritizes solutions for increased mobility, such as proximity to public transport, cycle paths and electric carpools in the development of properties and areas, as well as green areas for sport and recreation.

AREAS

Security and well-being in the property portfolio
It is important for Balder to contribute to developing entire areas and city districts where the company’s properties are located. This is done by being involved in several different projects together with local actors. Among other things, this includes for example security patrols, neighbourhood partnerships, and activities such as communal barbecue evenings and cultivation projects.

In addition to creating safer outdoor environments with places for social gatherings for all ages and expansion of lighting Balder also hire young people as summer workers and implement education investments in selected areas.

Balder’s employees are responsible for property management, finance, letting and operations, creating proximity to the customer and a good awareness of both the area and the property.

Examples of activities:

Measurement of customer satisfaction
Every two years Balder conducts a major customer survey, CSI, via AktivBo. Since the surveys began the results have continuously improved for both residential and commercial tenants.

Local activities
Many local activities are arranged on an ongoing basis, for example, free outdoor exercise in several areas, football tournaments for young people, food festivals and outdoor concerts. During the summer vacation and other holidays Balder also arranges games, sporting activities and swimming school.

An introduction to work
Every year Balder hires several young people as summer workers in the company’s areas. For many of them, this is their first job.

PARTNERSHIPS

Joint work for a sustainable development

Social engagement is a natural element of Balder’s work and a way of contributing to sustainable development. The company engages in community-related issues at both local and regional levels and collaborate with municipal authorities and other actors.

Examples of activities:

Increase interest for the real estate business
Balder is involved in Fastighetsakademin, a vocational training college in Gothenburg, and contributes with knowledge about the real estate business, to give the training courses a clearer connection to working life. Balder also offers several work placements in various occupational roles.

Support for organizations
Balder has through the years given support to several help organizations.  For example, the company cooperate with Mitt Livs Val that provides newly arrived and unaccompanied immigrants with study motivation and mentor programs. Balder provides premises for the program Framåt! in Gothenburg and several colleagues are involved as digital CV-coaches and job inspirers. Young people form the programs have also visited Bergsjön and Vårby.

Code of Conduct
Balder’s Code of Conduct that has been adopted by the board and is to be used as a tool in day-to-day activities, both internally and externally. The company does not tolerate any form of corruption, extortion or bribery. All business activities shall be carried out openly and honestly in a way that does not impede competitiveness. All forms of harassment, abuse and crimes are prohibited and must be reported to the line manager. There is also a whistleblowing function, which provides an opportunity to submit anonymous reports of infringements.

Impartial letting
All letting of apartments is handled according to the company’s selection policy, which has been drawn up to produce an impartial assessment when choosing tenants. No party may be disadvantaged in the selection process due to gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion or other belief, disability, transgender identity/expression or age.

COWORKERS

A developing workplace
Satisfied coworkers and a healthy working environment are important to be able to recruit and keep coworkers with the right competence. Balder strives to increase diversity with colleagues with different background, and to increase the balance between men and women in all positions in the company.

Balder works continuously to create conditions to promote health and personal development. It is important that the coworkers are happy and feel a sense of engagement for Balder and feel that they have an opportunity to develop within the company.

Good health and development
All employees are offered a wellness grant and have ongoing employee appraisals to promote personal development. Every year, about 100 colleagues participate in the Göteborgsvarvet Half Marathon, where Balder provides sponsorship in registration fees and running tops. The colleagues who are not running take part in the role of supporters and officials at our tent in the event area.

Balder Academy
Balder works continuously with training and development through the digital training platform Balder Academy. All employees get an adapted training package, depending on which role in the company the individual will be taking on. There are also induction courses for new employees, to provide them with an insight into how Balder works, what values the company has and what different functions within the company work with.

Career at Balder
There are major opportunities for a career within Balder, and each year many coworkers change jobs internally.

Business travel
When it comes to business travel, there is a travel policy that makes it easier to book more environmentally friendly means of transport. During the pandemic, the company has further developed digital ways of working and the need for business travel has therefore decreased.

FINANCES

Long-term ownership with stable cash flows and satisfied customers
Balder strives to maintain a high level of activity and efficient management to generate a good profit from property management. Having customers who are happy and stay in the company’s properties is crucial for long-term financial sustainability.

Balder secures financing that is sustainable in the long term through a diversified financing structure. The goal is financial stability where net debt to total assets does not exceed 50% over time. Since a few years back, Balder has had green loans as an element of financing for new projects.

Work close to customers
Thanks to property management with presence, in-house customer service and central functions, good knowledge of properties and areas is obtained. Tenants are involved on an ongoing basis through surveys, discussions and meetings about ideas and suggestions relating to the development of the properties and entire areas. Customer satisfaction is measured through regular customer surveys.

Green financing
Balder’s Green Bond framework has the purpose to finance projects that contribute to a reduced environmental impact, primarily to green and energy-efficient buildings with environmental certification. The company also invests in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement measures. In addition to green bonds, Balder also has green loans with Swedish banks, both within the Balder Group and in associated companies, and a green loan agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Increased number of certified properties
Balder strives to increase the proportion of properties that are certified. The goal for new in-house production is that the properties shall be certified as a minimum by the Miljöbyggnad Silver rating or equivalent.