VAV is implementing an energy optimisation solution provided by Vantaa Energy
The system uses artificial intelligence to control the heating systems in our approximately 12,000 rental flats, helping to reduce energy consumption and cut peaks in district heating usage. This solution helps to keep housing costs affordable in the future.
Small sensors have recently been installed in our rental flats, which will enable us to improve the energy efficiency of our properties in future without compromising on living comfort. On the contrary: during the heating season, the solution enables a more consistent indoor temperature in the flats and thus greater comfort, whilst reducing energy consumption and emissions.
This is a novel solution that combines building usage and environmental data, weather forecasts and energy system price signals into a self-improving artificial intelligence model.
“Improving energy efficiency on such a large scale is a significant step for us, both financially and in terms of the climate,” says VAV Group’s CEO Mirka Saarholma
“The solution will help keep housing costs affordable in the future, which supports our core mission of producing and providing affordable homes for the residents of Vantaa. Demand response for district heating is also an effective way for us to reduce the environmental impact of heating,” Saarholma continues.
Properties as part of a smart district heating system
“The system is constantly learning from the building. The longer it is in use, the better it is able to utilise the building’s characteristics and anticipate, for example, the effects of the weather or occupancy rates on energy demand,” Matti Wallin, Head of Energy Services at Vantaan Energia, explains.
Properties play an active role in a smart district heating system, as they enable improvements in the energy efficiency of the entire energy production and distribution chain, as well as a reduction in production emissions.
Energy optimisation controls heating proactively according to the building’s actual needs, reduces unnecessary energy consumption and delivers savings on energy bills without compromising on living comfort. At the same time, energy consumption is smoothed out and becomes more predictable as buildings participate in district heating demand response.
The roll-out of a solution based on the Swedish-developed Myrspoven learning AI model is already underway, and it will cover VAV’s entire housing stock across Vantaa. This is a large-scale roll-out of an energy optimisation solution, which is rare in Finland.
Benefits of the system for residents
- The solution will help keep housing costs affordable in the future, as energy costs are a major factor affecting rent.
- The system maintains a stable indoor climate in the flat: no overheating or underheating.
- Emissions from housing are reduced.
Advanced and tested technology underpins energy optimisation
Vantaa Energy’s energy optimisation solution is based on the most advanced artificial intelligence technology currently available. Swedish company Myrspoven’s energy optimisation solutions are already in use in over 1,500 buildings across nine countries, and its clients include several major property owners and developers, such as Corem Property Group and Revelop. Vantaan Energia is a part-owner of Myrspoven and the company’s exclusive supplier in Finland.
The solution helps to keep housing costs affordable in the future.
Mirka Saarholma, CEO of the VAV Group