Varmt och reglerat

Sammanfattning

The purpose of this study is to examine how the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning’s (Boverket) building regulations (BBR), particularly energy performance requirements, influence the choice of heating systems in newly constructed multi-family buildings. Through a combination of literature review, statistical analysis, and interviews with property sector representatives, the study analyzes historical regulatory changes, stakeholder experiences and perceptions, and energy performance with a focus on weighting factors and primary energy numbers. The results show that the shift from specific energy use to primary energy numbers has influenced technology choices over time, and that the intended technological neutrality of the regulations is often perceived as insufficient in practice. Weighting factors, certification systems, and access to green financing have created incentives that favor certain solutions, without necessarily reflecting the actual climate or energy performance of buildings. The study shows an increased adoption of heat pump solutions, while the use of district heating alone has declined. Developers building for sale are primarily driven by the need to achieve at least energy class B for financial benefits, while long-term property owners prioritize operational reliability and functionality. The study proposes a review of the current weighting system, a stronger focus on actual energy performance and system-level effects, and a clearer division of responsibility, suggesting that the Swedish Energy Agency should manage energy system performance, while Boverket focuses on the energy performance of buildings. This could enable a more transparent, technologically neutral, and climate-driven regulatory approach aligned with Sweden’s energy and climate goals.