Building for the future – How we turned tragedy into hope

In June 2023, a 19th-century wooden building in central Ronneby, Sweden, was devastated by a severe fire, and the property was completely destroyed. The building was insured with If and became the first in Sweden to be covered by the “Sustainable Building” concept. Together with the customer and local contractors, we embarked on a project to build for the future.

Three people stand on the ruins of the old Ronneby building

Sustainable Building is part of If’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Business customers can receive up to SEK 3,000,000 in additional compensation for choosing sustainable alternatives such as solar panels, environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient solutions or improved waste management if a building is destroyed in an accident.

If in Norway was the first to launch this concept after a fire in 2021 had completely destroyed a building in Sandefjord. That case became the pilot project for If’s new, more sustainable approach to rebuilding for the future. In 2023, a business customer in Sweden faced a similar situation when a well-known wooden building – a landmark in the town square – burned to the ground.

The reconstruction in Ronneby began in 2024, with the new building expected to be completed by spring 2026. It will incorporate the latest advances in sustainable construction, including solar panels, a stove guard and a green roof.

“We are excited to begin the rebuilding process, and it feels absolutely right to choose the most sustainable solutions possible. We are happy to lead the way”, explains Jan Mathiasson, who is an If customer and property owner.

“Sustainability should be the easy choice”

Ifs Head of Sustainability, Philip Thörn, talks to one of the builders

The new building will be slightly larger than the previous one and will include a restaurant on the ground floor and rental apartments on the upper floors. Among the sustainable features are blinds and solar-shielding protective glass, motion-controlled lighting, energy-efficient lamps, energy meters, sensor-controlled taps in commercial spaces, water-saving taps and measures to prevent water damage.

“We want to help our customers to rebuild sustainably after a loss. Through this service, we offer advice, guidance and financial support to make it easier to choose sustainable solutions. Sustainability should be the easy choice”, says Philip Thörn, who is Head of Sustainability at If.

If collaborates with the Sweden Green Building Council – Sweden’s leading membership organisation for sustainable urban development – in delivering the Sustainable Building service.

Building Sustainably

To ensure environmentally friendly and sustainable construction, different certification systems are used. These systems emphasise sustainability in every step of the process, opening up opportunities for green loans and financing. A sustainability certification is not just a mark of quality – it also helps to build trust in a company’s brand.

In Sustainable Building, If follows two of the most widely used certification systems in Sweden: Miljöbyggnad and BREEAM-SE (BRE Environmental Assessment Method).

In Sweden, the construction and real estate sector accounts for approximately 20% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, according to Boverket (National Board of Housing, Building and Planning).

Sustainable Building is part of If’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.