Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency in Housing Associations: The Power of AI and Practical Solutions

As the winter chill descends upon Västervik, the financial strains of heating costs become glaring for local housing associations. BRF Siktet found itself in a tightened budget as district heating expenses soared month by month, prompting the board to seek help. Their turning point came through collaboration with Riksbyggen, where they utilized energy optimization strategies that remarkably reduced their consumption by 400,000 kilowatt-hours in just one year—translating to savings of approximately 180,000 kronor. Rasmus Widlund, an energy engineer at Riksbyggen, explained that with the integration of AI technology, housing associations can achieve an average energy savings of 15%, with some instances reaching as high as 20%. The return on investment tends to materialize quickly, often within a couple of years. These changes are not only financially beneficial but also enhance the daily life of residents, creating a better indoor climate by mitigating temperature fluctuations resulting from changing weather conditions. This leads to reduced costs and fewer maintenance requests, ensuring happier members within the association. Navigating energy management can often feel complicated for many boards. With electricity and district heating prices fluctuating and rising water rates due to municipal upgrades, identifying impactful measures can be daunting. To alleviate these challenges, Riksbyggen has launched a free tool called the Energy Calculator, designed to simplify energy consumption analysis and savings potential for housing associations. By entering their name, boards can swiftly receive an estimate of potential savings both in kilowatt-hours and monetary value. They can also schedule a meeting with an Energy Coach for tailored advice on moving forward. The calculator is a part of Riksbyggen’s revitalized energy portfolio which presents flexible options including AI-driven optimization and the Energy Optimization Plus service, where an energy engineer conducts an in-depth audit and helps prioritize actionable strategies. In Värnamo, BRF Rörestorpshus 2 exemplifies the tangible benefits of these services. Through the Energy Optimization Plus, they now save an impressive 17 million kronor annually, financing critical window replacements in 201 apartments without imposing increased fees on residents. Rasmus stresses the importance of establishing an energy plan for every association. Assessing the property and identifying relevant measures is crucial, particularly in managing heating and ventilation. He acknowledges that effective management combined with AI support can yield significant progress. Water usage presents another area for concern, with rising costs impacting budgets. Implementation of individual metering and billing has been shown to decrease hot water consumption by about 30%, thus delivering savings and promoting fairness among residents. Interestingly, initial energy calculations often serve as an eye-opener for boards, unveiling greater savings potential than anticipated. According to Rasmus, "What surprises most is the financial figures involved; once you see the actual numbers, it’s clear you cannot afford to remain inactive." Getting started doesn’t require complicated steps. Firstly, test the Energy Calculator; it only takes three minutes to gauge energy usage and potential savings. Secondly, initiate discussions within the board regarding these costs—recognizing energy as a significant budget line. Finally, book a meeting with the Energy Coach who can analyze the calculation results and provide actionable recommendations tailored to the property. About Riksbyggen: Riksbyggen is a prominent cooperative company in Sweden, one of the largest housing developers and property managers, dedicated to creating attractive and sustainable living environments. Managing over 100,000 rental units and 200,000 condominiums across 4,400 associations, Riksbyggen also works with numerous commercial and public property owners. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2