Unlocking Energy Savings: How Housing Associations in Sweden Can Slash Costs with Smart Technology

As the winter chill settled over Västervik, local housing associations began to feel the pinch of rising district heating costs. At BRF Siktet, monthly expenses surged alarmingly, compelling the board to seek assistance from Riksbyggen. Their solution came in the form of energy optimization strategies that successfully reduced energy consumption by 400,000 kilowatt-hours in just one year, translating to savings of approximately 180,000 kronor. According to Rasmus Widlund, an energy engineer at Riksbyggen, the adoption of AI technology across various housing associations has typically led to an average reduction of heating energy costs by 15%, and in some cases, as much as 20%. "The investment usually pays off quickly, often within a couple of years," Widlund stated. Residents are also reaping the benefits of these energy-saving measures, as enhanced AI systems regulate indoor temperatures more effectively, leading to both lower costs and improved comfort. Fewer temperature fluctuations not only translate to financial savings but also lead to fewer complaints from residents, fostering greater satisfaction. The complexity of energy management can overwhelm many housing boards, particularly amid fluctuating electricity prices, rising district heating charges, and increasing municipal water rates. To address this, Riksbyggen has launched a new free tool called the Energy Calculator. It enables housing associations to quickly calculate their specific energy usage and savings potential. "With the Energy Calculator, we want to simplify the process. Just enter your housing association's name, and you'll receive an estimate of potential savings in both kilowatt-hours and kronor," said Widlund. Following the calculations, boards can schedule a meeting with an Energy Coach, who will help them determine an actionable pathway toward energy optimization. Riksbyggen's range of energy services now includes AI-driven solutions and a comprehensive Energy Optimization Plus, which incorporates a complete review by an energy engineer tailored to the property’s needs. In Värnamo, BRF Rörestorpshus 2 exemplified the benefits of these services by saving 1.7 million kronor annually. This remarkable savings allowed the association to finance a window renovation across 201 apartments without imposing higher fees than the typical rate increase. Widlund advises that every housing association should establish a detailed energy plan, beginning with a thorough property assessment to identify relevant energy-saving measures. He highlighted the importance of efficient control and regulation of heating and ventilation systems, revealing that tracking these variables—especially when enhanced with AI—can significantly reduce energy consumption. Moreover, with rising water rates, implementing individual measurement and billing could decrease hot water usage by around 30%, further contributing to savings and promoting fairness among residents. For many housing boards, conducting their first energy calculation can serve as a wake-up call; often they discover that their potential savings are more substantial than anticipated. "When you see the numbers, you recognize that you simply can't afford to ignore them," Widlund emphasized. To kickstart their savings journey, Riksbyggen suggests three practical steps: 1. **Test the Energy Calculator**: This quick tool reveals energy use and potential savings in just three minutes. 2. **Discuss in the Board**: Engage in a discussion around energy costs, which often dominate the association's budget, to decide on investment priorities. 3. **Book a Meeting with the Energy Coach**: After testing the calculator, schedule a free meeting with an energy expert who will review results and provide actionable advice. Riksbyggen, a leading national cooperative in Sweden, manages over 100,000 rental apartments and 200,000 condominiums across more than 4,400 housing associations. Their mission focuses on creating attractive and sustainable housing. To learn more about Riksbyggen's property management services, visit their website. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2