HSB is Sweden's largest federation of cooperative housing, founded in 1923 to address the country's severe housing shortage. With over a million people living in HSB homes, the organization has a significant presence in Sweden, particularly in and around Stockholm.
HSB's history is marked by its commitment to providing affordable, family-friendly housing. In the 1930s, it worked to eliminate overcrowding and establish a foundation for social housing policy. Over the decades, HSB expanded its operations, adopting reforms and building more homes, including the iconic Turning Torso in Malmö, the second tallest building in Sweden.
Today, HSB continues to develop and manage housing, focusing on sustainability and innovation. The organization aims to build homes that meet stringent energy requirements and use healthy materials to minimize environmental impact. HSB's projects include the Silver Environmental Building Standard, which ensures homes are built with the lowest possible environmental impact.
Recent initiatives include HSB Living Lab, which conducts research into sustainable housing, and HSB Dela, a program that helps young people buy their first home with reduced cash deposits. With over half a million members, HSB is a cooperative membership association that allows members to participate in decision-making and influence their housing situation. The organization's scope of activities includes developing new housing, managing existing properties, and providing facility services, making it a key player in Sweden's housing sector.