Energy design

Energy design (energiasuunnittelu) is a broad concept that covers components and larger entities of various sizes related to energy use and energy saving. In energy design, our energy consulting focuses on energy performance certificates (energiatodistukset), energy reports and, in particular, energy efficiency studies, in which we identify a housing company’s (taloyhtiö) energy-saving potential and the most cost-effective energy efficiency solutions for that specific property. In the energy design of old buildings, it is important to take into account any energy efficiency improvements already made, as well as the timing of work that lies ahead in any case, such as replacing the heat exchanger.

Energy design and consulting for housing companies

Rising energy costs, the tighter statutory energy efficiency requirements on the way with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, and people’s interest in reducing carbon emissions have increased housing companies’ interest in exploring energy-saving opportunities and in energy design. Once the energy efficiency solutions have been mapped and their costs estimated, it is easier to make decisions on which projects to carry out.

Various heat pump solutions often turn out to be good options. An exhaust air heat pump can be a good solution for a building that has only mechanical exhaust ventilation and no supply air ducts. A ground source heat system suits one property and an air-to-water heat pump another. Sometimes it may be wise to pay attention to, for example, the energy efficiency of the windows if they are due to be replaced soon anyway. Solar panels are particularly suitable for properties where the consumption of property electricity (kiinteistösähkö) is high – we find the most cost-effective solutions for your specific property. Here is a brief look at some of the systems and solutions examined in energy design and energy efficiency studies:

Ground source heat is an alternative to district heating and is particularly cost-effective if district heating in the area is expensive. The space available on the plot determines how many boreholes can be drilled there, as boreholes cannot be placed right next to each other. In some cases, a lack of space on the plot can be compensated for by, for example, drilling the boreholes at an angle or deeper than usual.

An exhaust air heat pump is a good option when the building’s warm exhaust air leaves through the ventilation ducts as it is. An exhaust air heat pump system recovers the energy contained in the exhaust air being blown out and, using heat pump technology, delivers it for heating the building and its domestic hot water.

An air-to-water heat pump transfers heat energy from the outdoor air to the domestic hot water and the building’s heating system. The warmer the outdoor air, the more efficiently the air-to-water heat pump operates.

There are numerous possible energy efficiency solutions, from solar panels to solar thermal collectors, from improving windows to adding insulation to the roof, and so on. Although some rough generalisations can be made about the cost-effectiveness of different systems, the best solutions must always be identified by examining each building individually. There are so many small and large variables that an investment that is unprofitable in one property can be extremely profitable in another.