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Implementing Regenerative Standards in Politically Green Nordic Social Welfare States: Can Sweden Adopt the Living Building Challenge?

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  • Mara Forsberg

    (Maram Architecture, Pryssgränd 10b, 118 20 Stockholm, Sweden)

  • Clarice Bleil de Souza

    (Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, Bute Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK)

Abstract

This paper focuses on understanding the place for regenerative building standards within the context of politically green Nordic social welfare states. To this end, it examines the particular case of adopting the Living Building Challenge (LBC), an iconic example of regenerative design standard, in Sweden. An extensive document analysis comparing the Swedish building and planning regulations as well as the Miljöbyggnad national certification system with the LBC, shows overlaps and barriers the standard can face when adopted in the country. Barriers are validated and further discussed in interviews with one of the few architects trying to achieve a certified LBC building in Sweden and Swedish public authorities from the Boverket (Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning). Results from the document analysis and interviews show barriers to implement the LBC in Sweden are a product of a conscious political and ideological decision from the welfare state which considers infrastructure, and all its potential sustainable versions, a public good to be provided to all and funded by all. This premise contrasts with the self-sufficient approach promoted by the LBC, which in this particular aspect, can be interpreted as a threat to the welfare state.

Suggested Citation

  • Mara Forsberg & Clarice Bleil de Souza, 2021. "Implementing Regenerative Standards in Politically Green Nordic Social Welfare States: Can Sweden Adopt the Living Building Challenge?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:2:p:738-:d:480027
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giulia Sonetti & Martin Brown & Emanuele Naboni, 2019. "About the Triggering of UN Sustainable Development Goals and Regenerative Sustainability in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Schade, Jutta & Wallström, Peter & Olofsson, Thomas & Lagerqvist, Ove, 2013. "A comparative study of the design and construction process of energy efficient buildings in Germany and Sweden," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 28-37.
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    1. Edeltraud Haselsteiner & Blerta Vula Rizvanolli & Paola Villoria Sáez & Odysseas Kontovourkis, 2021. "Drivers and Barriers Leading to a Successful Paradigm Shift toward Regenerative Neighborhoods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-22, May.
    2. Ismail Pettanasse & Teguh Prasetyo & Otto Yudianto, 2021. "Diversion policy against children in conflict with internal law serious crime based on justice value," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 21(1), pages 487-491, July.

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