Buildings should be part of Sweden's energy preparedness

A new opinion piece from the #HusFörHus initiative calls for buildings to be recognised as an active part of Sweden’s energy preparedness.

Published in Fastighetsnytt, the article highlights how Europe has experienced three major energy price shocks in just four years. Each one has exposed the same underlying vulnerability: a continued dependence on energy that Europe does not produce or control.

But part of the solution may already be found in the buildings around us. Commercial and public buildings are major energy users. With energy efficiency, local production, storage and smarter control, they also have the potential to reduce pressure on energy systems, limit peak demand and use energy when it is most beneficial.

This changes how we should think about building performance. Reducing energy consumption remains essential, but the value of smarter buildings does not stop there. Buildings that can adapt their energy use dynamically can also contribute to a more flexible and resilient energy system.

From passive consumption to active participation

Today, building energy use can be adjusted continuously based on factors such as actual demand, control or price signals from utility providers, weather conditions and energy prices. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary consumption while also moving or lowering demand during periods when the energy system is under greater pressure. The opinion piece calls for three areas of reform:

1. Better conditions for resilient and fossil-free energy supply
2. Predictable pricing models that reward flexibility.
3. A clearer role for the real estate sector in Sweden’s civil preparedness.

These changes would make it easier for property owners to scale investments in efficiency, energy storage, local production and smart control.

A shared responsibility

The #HusFörHus initiative brings together some of Sweden’s major property owners, collectively managing approximately 60 million square metres of property. Myrspoven participates in the network to contribute knowledge and perspectives on how technology and dynamic building control can support this development. 

For us, the message is clear: smarter control is not only about lowering energy costs. It is also about making better use of existing infrastructure and helping buildings become a more responsive part of the energy system.

The next energy shock may be difficult to predict. However, the ability of our buildings to respond does not have to be. Read the full opinion piece in Fastighetsnytt.