Our Way 1
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ing a property owner comes with numerous responsibilities, from maintenance, fire safety, and crime prevention to infrastructure security and tenant well-being. Safety is a top priority for Wallfast , covering everything from secure entry systems to emergency preparedness and bomb shelters. Carl emphasizes Wallfast’s proactive approach: “With ongoing wars, extreme weather, escalating street violence, and terror threats, we carefully assess risks and ensure Wallfast properties remain up to date on safety issues.” NEW THREATS, SUCH as shootings and bombings, have become a concern in Sweden. “The first step in protection is knowing who lives in our buildings and preventing illegal subletting. The second is strong perimeter security with safety doors and code locks,” Carl says. Cybersecurity is also a key focus to safeguard infrastructure, such as perimeter security and heating systems. “Our systems are carefully configured and monitored, and to prevent unauthorized access we are currently running a project in which our properties are being equipped with cybersecurity firewalls,” he says. ENERGY SECURITY AND self-sufficiency are additional ways to strengthen resilience. Since 2011, Wallfast has owned the Storberget wind power park in Åsele, covering electricity needs for more than their 8,000 tenants. Solar panels are installed at Soya Group’s headquarters, Menhammar Farm and residential buildings. In one of Wallfast’s newly built properties, a battery storage has been installed. The battery will connect towards the frequency market, but in the long term it may also function as peak shaving and backup power. “We already produce more Carl Talling Head of Marketing Wallfast electricity than the entire Wallfast portfolio and Soya Group consume together, making us a significant contributor to Sweden’s electricity production,” Carl proudly states. WITH CLIMATE CHANGE intensifying, Wallfast has committed to environmental sustainability and is ISO 14001 certified for environmental management. “We assess risks related to Peter Leskinen extreme weather, such as storms and flooding, and in new property developments we follow the applicable environmental requirements, for example storm drains,” Carl explains. Head of Property Management Wallfast NO NEW SHELTERS HAVE BEEN BUILT IN SWEDEN IN 20 YEARS, AND EXISTING ONES ARE OFTEN USED FOR STORAGE. BUT IF THE GOVERNMENT DECLARES HEIGHTENED READINESS, CIVILIANS HAVE 48 HOURS TO PREPARE THEM. Peter Leskinen RUSSIA’S WAR ON Ukraine has also highlighted the importance of bomb shelters. These shelters feature reinforced walls and airlocks to protect against shock waves, fire, and toxic gases. “No new shelters have been built in Sweden in 20 years, and existing ones are often used for storage. But if the government declares heightened readiness, civilians have 48 hours to prepare them,” explains Peter Leskinen, Head of Property Management at Wallfast. Wallfast has proactively prepared its 62 shelters, ensuring all essential equipment, including ventilation units, toilets, and water containers, is updated. “Now we just hope we don’t have to use them,” Peter concludes. OUR WAY 1/2025 21