First focus group nearing completion

A draft of the report has been presented to the SUHF Expert Group on Property and Security and was well received.
- It felt good at the presentation even though we did not go into any details. Now they will read the report thoroughly and get back to us.

Great knowledge
Mälardalen University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, Umeå University and Akademiska Hus.
Everyone in the group had extensive knowledge and a wide range of niche expertise. Akademiska Hus had three specialists on board: a sustainability specialist, an energy strategist and an analyst.
- We have used SUHF's report on the climate impact of premises as a starting point. Most of the HEIs in the focus group also participated in the group that produced that report, so there was good continuity in the work. From Stockholm University, it was also the same person.
- The work has been committed from everyone. It has almost gone too easily, because everyone has contributed fully, says Lisa.

Clear timetable
The participants made a clear timetable together at the start and they have kept to it. They have met in person twice, once at the beginning of the year when the group started and once now at the end when the report was to be finalised. In between, they have had seven or eight working meetings via Teams with the entire group, as well as a number of smaller team meetings where those who developed the content of each section have met.
- One Friday we had a four-hour working meeting via Teams - without any problems.
Everyone has been in the same Teams document and worked.
- I think we have worked through it well. I feel confident that those who have been involved in the group have such great knowledge of the issues. It feels like a privilege to have worked on this,’ says Lisa Redin.

Reference group
In addition to SUHF's previous report, they have analysed current knowledge and legislation as a basis for their work. The group has also conducted a survey that went out to the Network for Environmental Management in Higher Education, MLUH. The fact that Akademiska Hus is a property owner and can compile various data for a large number of higher education institutions has also been an important aspect. There has also been a reference group with people from property and environmental departments.
The report that SUHF's expert group is now reviewing is divided into utilisation of premises, energy, reuse (loose furnishings and building materials) and collaboration with property owners.
- It is hoped that the expert group will support the guidelines and recommendations we are developing, not only for this focus group but also for the others that will be developed from the HEIs' climate network.

Anna-Karin Johnson