Ullensvang Municipality started using Loopfront at the end of 2024. Just over a year later, they had already saved more than one million NOK by reusing furniture, fixtures and equipment internally in the municipality. At the same time, they have reduced waste, cut CO₂ emissions and created strong engagement among employees.
In our webinar the 4th of march, building operator Kjetil Vatnedal and head of building operations Jostein Kaland shared how they started out with reuse, and what other municipalities can learn from their experience.
The start of systematic reuse
As in many other municipalities, some reuse was already happening in Ullensvang, but they lacked a system to keep track and document reuse and savings.
The idea of more systematic reuse started at a fair for building operators. There, the municipality learned about the work Trondheim Municipality was doing with Loopfront.
Shortly afterwards, they also attended a seminar where the solution was presented in more detail. That’s when it became clear that this could be a way to gain better overview and structure around reuse in the municipality.
Ullensvang initially set a goal of saving 200,000 NOK through reuse, but this turned out to be far too modest. Already within the first year, they passed one million NOK in documented savings.
A key success factor was starting small. First, a few kindergartens were invited into the solution to test how it worked in practice. As the system started to run smoothly, more departments were brought on board.
(Photo: Hardanger Folkeblad )
Finally, the solution was rolled out to the entire municipality, and today more than 170 employees have user accounts on the platform. All employees can see what is available, while purchasing and sales are handled by managers.
"This is something we’ve been waiting a long time for. Now they can actually go in and see what’s available in Loopfront.’"
- Jostein Kaland
(Head of Building Operations, Ullensvang Municipality)
Storage and logistics without extra costs
The municipality already had a former civil defence storage room in the basement of a kindergarten that could be used. The space, around 650 square metres, was cleared and organised into different zones for furniture and other equipment.
Even though many employees use the solution, one person has the main responsibility. Building operator Kjetil Vatnedal still only spends 2–4 hours a week registering products, organising the storage and coordinating orders and pick-ups.
"It’s getting quicker and quicker. As I get more of the same items, I no longer have to create new listings every time, because there’s a lot of the same office furniture coming in."
- Kjetil Vatnedal
(Building Operator, Ullensvang Municipality)
Transport is solved in a simple way. The municipality has not set up a separate transport service; instead, items are brought along when employees are already driving between locations.
Even greater ambitions for reuse in 2026
After this strong start, Ullensvang has set a new goal of saving two million NOK through reuse by the end of 2026. So far this year, they are well on track to reaching their ambitions, and the results show that even a small municipality can achieve major impact
"Now they think twice about throwing things. Even if they don’t need something themselves, it doesn’t necessarily have to be thrown away. Maybe someone else can use it."
- Kjetil Vatnedal
(Building Operator, Ullensvang Municipality)
With the right system, engaged employees and support from management, reuse can become both profitable and sustainable.
Would you like to learn more about how Loopfront can help your organisation systematise reuse? We’d be happy to set up a meeting with you!