Vår bebyggda miljö - En granskning av kommunernas miljöarbete

Sammanfattning: The main objective of this study is to investigate the environmental work progress in Sweden with a focus on buildings. Variety of actions as well as investment programs have come and gone, likewise the public and political commitment to the issue. Today, there is a common knowledge about how our human actions lead to a negative impact on the environment. We need more coordinated actions to reverse the negative trend that we are in today. To facilitate the work the government has chosen to make 16 environmental targets, this study focuses primarily on number 15, a good built environment. Local authorities have a responsibility to bring this issue forward and setting a good example to development of our populated environment, both for the sake of the wellbeing of humans and the environment. A good built environment can be described as a place to live that gives people a good quality of life without affecting the environment adversely. These aspects record everything from having green areas close to home, approved radon levels and conservation of the historic environment. But since the Agenda 21 programs catchwords “think global, act local” cooled down, the environmental issues have not been lifted seriously again. Since the early 1990´s companies have used environmental management systems to systematize their environmental efforts, and this system has also begun to spread to the municipalities. However, the variation between the commitment and knowledge within the municipalities are major. Ever since the concept of sustainable development was founded, environmental issues and environmental programs have been criticized for leaving too much room for interpretation and much of this environmental work is voluntary. To examine what type of environmental work that is being performed by municipalities, a survey was conducted. Results show that some municipalities have been running environmental programs for several years and have come far in their demands on the built environment, while others have barely begun and lack both the resources and the commitment. It is clear that the state needs more coordinating actions and clearer laws are needed to keep a high minimum level within the municipalities. In the future it is important that the municipalities ensure that all buildings should not in any way be harmful to human wellness. Therefore should the municipalities immediately ensure that all buildings are on an approved radon level, have a good indoor climate and a developed energy system that strives to transition completely too renewable energy.