diff --git a/hub/city_model_structure/building_demand/surface.py b/hub/city_model_structure/building_demand/surface.py
index 071a9009..2cd42755 100644
--- a/hub/city_model_structure/building_demand/surface.py
+++ b/hub/city_model_structure/building_demand/surface.py
@@ -241,8 +241,6 @@ class Surface:
     The absorptance as an opaque surface, can be calculated as 1-short_wave_reflectance
     :return: float
     """
-    if self._short_wave_reflectance is None:
-      return ConfigurationHelper.short_wave_reflectance
     return self._short_wave_reflectance
 
   @short_wave_reflectance.setter