The background is that the parties have a common interest in sustainability issues and are convinced that common goals and activities are the foundation for successful sustainability work. A good and sustainable campus environment also promotes learning, performance and well-being, according to both.
"Sometimes a letter of intent is just an empty document, but in this case I feel confident that this is something that is concrete and looks forward. It confirms a collaboration that already exists," said Astrid Söderbergh Widding, Vice-Chancellor of Stockholm University, when she and Caroline Arehult, CEO of Akademiska Hus, signed the letter of intent in Blom's House at Frescati during Midsummer Week.
"The process of producing this important document has been very valuable. It will be fun to continue the work with the action plans and activities that await," said Caroline Arehult.
Several strategic areas of collaboration
In order to reduce their environmental impact, Stockholm University and Akademiska Hus have come up with several strategic areas of collaboration. For example, it is about reducing energy use and making it climate-neutral, and always investigating the need for new premises in connection with new construction or renovation. When it comes to waste management, there is an increased focus on sorting plastic. Both parties will also work together for the development of green environments and increased biodiversity on campus.
To promote social sustainability, there is a common effort to create safe outdoor environments and develop meeting places that promote both social and physical development. Representatives from both the university and Akademiska Hus were also present at the meeting in Blom's house.
"This letter of intent is something that we have been working on for a long time, it is great that we are both ready to address the issues seriously, now we can make a difference," said Serhat Ok, Property Manager at Akademiska Hus.Magnus Breitholtz, Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor with operational responsibility for the environment and sustainable development at Stockholm University, highlighted that cooperation between all sectors and actors in society is important to solve the climate challenge that the world is facing:
"This is a big day. If we succeed in reducing energy consumption and conducting our business in a more efficient way and thus not be dependent on as large areas as before, I hope that it will be noticeable financially. I also hope that other types of measures, such as efforts to increase biodiversity on our campuses, will be physically noticeable in everyday life," said Magnus Breitholtz.