Sustainability is a crucial element in any business development, and this also applies to the social housing sector. The housing organization FællesBo has taken an important step towards working purposefully with sustainability – both strategically and in practice.

A clear signal from the employees

It all started with a desire from the employees. A wish to have clear guidelines on how they should integrate sustainability into their work, from choosing building materials to social initiatives. Kim Grarup, Operations and Project Manager at FællesBo, says:

"Our employees came to us with a clear request for a sustainability strategy. We needed a structured approach that could ensure sustainability became an integral part of our practices and not something that was handled ad hoc, depending on the situation or individual decision-makers."

With a housing portfolio of over 5,000 homes in Herning Municipality, FællesBo knows they have a unique opportunity to create real sustainable change and have a meaningful impact. That’s why the employees wanted FællesBo to actively decide how the organization would work with sustainability. "We needed help to start the conversation about how to get started, where to focus, and how ambitious we should be with the sustainability agenda. That's why I contacted Bæredygtig Herning," says Kim Grarup. He adds that the sustainability strategy should ensure that all decisions – from choosing countertops and paint to biodiversity in common areas – will henceforth be made based on well-thought-out, principle-based choices that support FællesBo’s long-term sustainability goals.

From insight to strategy

As an innovation partner, Bæredygtig Herning provided the framework for FællesBo to begin working on sustainability. Through two workshops, we facilitated important conversations where employees, management, and the board of directors contributed knowledge, experiences, needs, and perspectives that will form the foundation for the future sustainability strategy. Topics discussed included material choices, outdoor areas, certifications, and social sustainability.

The process opened up important dilemmas, reflections, and priorities, and all key internal stakeholders were able to share their knowledge and experiences, becoming inspired to take responsibility for sustainability in their own areas. A central question, which most organizations face, was addressed: Not everyone can do everything. So, how do we make choices and trade-offs that consider both the climate and the practical realities? We also focused on a question that is particularly relevant for social housing organizations, which bear significant social responsibility: How can we act sustainably while still taking responsibility for those who need affordable housing?

One step closer to a responsible future

"We are now stronger and ready to translate these reflections into a concrete strategy and action plan that will guide us towards a more sustainable future," says Operations Manager Kim Grarup. He emphasizes that the collaboration with Bæredygtig Herning has created an important framework for FællesBo’s continued work with sustainability and that the process has provided a solid foundation to understand and prioritize action areas. FællesBo is now rolling up their sleeves and developing a strategy and action plan that reflects the organization's values and goals.

At Bæredygtig Herning, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with FællesBo and other organizations that want to take responsibility for a sustainable future.