Abstract

Title: Sustainable Property Development

Date: 2025-05-21

Level: Bachelor's Thesis in Business Administration (15 credits)

Authors: Agnes Andersson & Molly Petersson

Supervisor: Gunnar Wramsby

Examiner: Per- Ola Ulvenblad

Keywords: Property development, energy efficiency, ecological sustainability, economic sustainability and operating costs.

Problem background: Sustainable development is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The construction and real estate sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, which means that the transition of this sector and sustainable property development are significant for achieving the climate goals. Sweden has set the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and has committed to fulfilling the UN's Agenda 2030. This requires reducing emissions not just during construction, but throughout the building ́s entire lifecycle.

Problem statement: How can property companies work with sustainable property development?

How can sustainable property development impact ecological sustainability?

How can sustainable property development contribute to increased economic profitability?

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyze the impact of how property companies work with sustainable property development.

Limitation: This study is limited to exploring only the economic and ecological aspects of sustainability and excludes the social dimension.

Methodology: A qualitative study with a abductive method, based on six interviews with property companies in Halland, Småland and Västergötland.

Conclusion: Property companies work with sustainable property development by reducing energy use, choosing eco-friendly materials, applying environmental certification, and collaboration with other stakeholders to reach sustainability goals. Investing in renewable energy and promoting biodiversity enhances ecological sustainability. Sustainable property development also contributes to increased economic profitability through competitive advantages, lower operating costs, higher demand from tenants, and the opportunity to receive green financing from investors.