Unlocking Energy Savings: How Housing Associations Can Benefit from Riksbyggen's AI Solutions

As winter grips Västervik, housing associations are feeling the bite of rising energy costs, particularly for district heating. BRF Siktet, a local housing association, found its budget impacted month by month until it sought assistance from Riksbyggen, a leading property management company in Sweden. With energy optimization strategies, BRF Siktet successfully reduced its energy consumption by 400,000 kilowatt-hours over one year, achieving savings of approximately 180,000 kronor. "By harnessing AI technology, our associations save an average of 15 percent of their heating energy, with some even reaching up to 20 percent," explains Rasmus Widlund, energy engineer at Riksbyggen. The financial benefits don’t stop at savings; residents also experience improvements in their indoor climate, as AI regulates temperature fluctuations that typically result from changing weather patterns. This leads to lower costs and heightened satisfaction among residents, reflecting the overall success of the initiative. However, the road to energy efficiency can be daunting for many housing association boards, especially with fluctuating electricity prices and rising district heating rates. To simplify the process, Riksbyggen has introduced a free tool known as the Energy Calculator, designed to provide a clear estimate of potential energy savings based on the unique conditions of each association. "The Energy Calculator makes the process straightforward," Widlund states. By simply entering their association's name, boards can receive immediate feedback on potential savings in both kilowatt-hours and kronor. For those who require more hands-on assistance, an Energy Coach session can be scheduled to discuss tailored strategies for energy optimization. Riksbyggen's energy offerings are adaptable; associations can choose between AI-driven optimization or a comprehensive review with an energy engineer under the Energy Optimization Plus service. The latter is particularly beneficial for older buildings that might require more involved maintenance solutions. "In Värnamo, BRF Rörestorpshus 2 saved a staggering 17 million kronor annually through Energy Optimization Plus, which funded window replacements in 201 apartments without raising fees," Widlund highlights. This exemplifies how proactive measures in energy management can yield significant financial returns, turning theoretical energy conservation into evident fiscal benefits. Addressing water consumption is another critical area, as tariffs continue to rise. Implementing individual measurements and billing can lead to a 30 percent reduction in hot water usage, translating into considerable financial savings for associations while fostering fairness among residents. Many boards experience a shocking revelation during their first energy calculation, often finding that the savings potential is much greater than anticipated. "When they see the numbers, many realize that energy savings cannot be ignored, and the path to improvement doesn't have to be complex," Widlund affirms. To get started, boards should follow these three steps: utilize the Energy Calculator to assess energy usage, discuss energy management strategies during board meetings, and book a session with an Energy Coach to gain insights and action plans tailored to their specific property. Riksbyggen, a prominent cooperative company in Sweden, is committed to delivering attractive and sustainable housing solutions. They manage over 100,000 rental apartments and 200,000 condominiums across 4,400 housing associations nationwide, in addition to servicing numerous commercial and public property owners. For housing associations looking to optimize their energy usage, Riksbyggen’s innovative tools and expert guidance represent a promising pathway to financial savings and enhanced living conditions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3