In newly constructed houses, measuring each apartment’s consumption of hot and cold water is standard. Now KFAB is gradually introducing water measurement in the other properties to achieve a fairer distribution of consumption costs. Households have the opportunity to lower their costs and collectively contribute to energy savings.
– In new constructions, water meters are installed directly and in older neighborhoods, they are installed in connection with pipe replacements. Eventually, there will be water measurement in all properties, says KFAB’s CEO Ingmar Eriksson.
The principle is that a certain volume of water is included in the rent. For instance, an apartment of 100 sqm includes 71.5 cubic meters of cold water and 38.5 cubic meters of hot water, totaling 110 cubic meters per year. The consumption is distributed over the months, and if you consume more, there is an addition, and if you are frugal, you get money back. The adjustment is made on the rent for the next month.
– We follow the agreement negotiated by Sabo with the central Tenants’ Association, says Ingmar Eriksson.
The environmental impact of the project is significant. Conserving water contributes to reduced energy consumption and reduces our environmental impact. It decreases the load on sewage systems and helps preserve lakes and watercourses.
Currently, there is water measurement in 540 units, or just over one-third of KFAB’s apartments. These are homes on streets such as Rönngatan, Bokvägen, Vallavägen, Lövåsvägen, Vingåkersvägen, Bjurstorpsgatan, Nyhemsgatan, and Parkgatan in Valla. The project is continuously monitored, and there is a noticeable reduction in water consumption in the affected areas.
– We can also see differences in areas. In the newly built district Hästen, many come from house ownership and are used to monitoring consumption costs. Traditional tenants accustomed to water being included consume more, says Ingmar Eriksson.
The incentives to save water vary among residents, which is why KFAB is now actively reaching out to its tenants to inform them of the importance of saving water. Additionally, tenants are offered a package of water-saving products that KFAB installs in the apartments free of charge. The products are installed on taps and in the shower, providing water savings while maintaining comfort.
– When we sent out information about water conservation, only one or two responded, so we decided to take a different approach. Mariam Yassin and Yasmin Ahmed now conduct home visits instead. Yasmin speaks Arabic, Kurdish, and Syrian, and Mariam speaks Somali, making it easier to convey the message, explains Ingmar Eriksson.
– We inform about the water-saving measures and tell the tenants about the offer and that it is in everyone’s interest to save water, says Mariam. Many have seen that water costs money but haven’t noticed the opportunity for personal savings.
Mariam and Yasmin work with tenants on, among others, Rönngatan and Bokvägen.
– The task takes some time but is enjoyable, says Mariam. I’ve occasionally talked to someone for an hour. At the same time, we also receive feedback on other issues that we forward to KFAB.
– We haven’t seen the results of the water-saving measures yet, but I’ve tested them myself, and you certainly save both water and money. Tenants can see on the water meter if they’ve consumed above or below the normal level. You don’t see the number of liters, but it shows if you’ll get money back or if you have to pay more, summarizes Ingmar Eriksson.