The smiles say it all. In 2018, DNB Næringseiendom and the start-up Energy Control set out on a journey into the world of real estate technology. Since then, Tommy Hagenes has been both the tour guide and a natural part of the travelling party.
– It has been an incredibly fun and exciting journey, says Director of Development and Digitalization at DNB Næringseiendom, Erlend Kaland Simonsen.
The property company’s history together with Energy Control goes back to 2017/2018.
– We were probably one of the first companies to choose to back Tommy Hagenes and Energy Control, says Simonsen.
Launched bold ideas
DNB is not only the country’s and one of the Nordic region’s leading financial institutions — through DNB Næringseiendom they are also one of the country’s truly major property operators. They have a significant property portfolio consisting of offices, hotels and shopping centres in several of Norway’s largest cities, as well as in Sweden. The company, which is headquartered in Bergen, has a clear and ambitious digital strategy. They were therefore early adopters of real estate technology.
– I got to know Tommy (Hagenes, ed.) even before he founded Energy Control. When he resigned and started on his own, we were therefore one of his first customers, says Simonsen.
Energy Control at this point consisted of Tommy himself and his better half, Therese. DNB for their part was and is a group with just over 10,000 employees and an annual turnover of several tens of billions of kroner. Simonsen explains that Tommy began challenging the company from the very first meeting.
– He launched what many would probably have seen as some bold ideas. But we are technology optimists, and we also had confidence in Tommy. We therefore said yes to testing out some of his ideas, says Simonsen.
Found 850 square metres
Although Energy Control today is perhaps best known for smart, sensor-based energy management of buildings, DNB’s journey began with 3D scanning.
– Together with Energy Control we have 3D-scanned a very large number of our buildings. This has given us photorealistic 3D models that have been an extremely useful tool in many contexts. We have used them in the planning of refurbishment projects, in letting processes, but of course also in pure energy and indoor climate projects, says Simonsen.
A concrete example of what such 3D scanning can contribute is when DNB was to refurbish its property, Markeveien 1B, in central Bergen.
– This is an older building with various, complex floor plans. During the 3D scanning, it actually turned out that we found 850 square metres of additional floor area that had not been included in the building’s original area, says Simonsen.
Raised by three energy classes
It goes without saying that 850 extra square metres, close to Torgallmenningen, not only generates additional rental income — it also gives the building a significantly higher value.
The 3D scan of the building is combined with smart sensors, meaning DNB now has a complete "dollhouse model" of the building where they can monitor both indoor climate and energy use in real time, to mention just a few things. All data is open and shared with both tenants and others who need it.
– The combination of scanning, sensors and solid expertise means that over the course of this process we have raised the building by three whole energy classes, says Simonsen.
From calendar- to demand-based management
While DNB’s journey began with 3D scanning, they have subsequently followed up with both sensors and data collection in EC Dashboard.
– Energy Control has over the past several years travelled the country to collect data and make our buildings smarter. Based on this collaboration, many of our buildings are now demand-controlled. They are therefore managed not just on a calendar, but according to actual demand, says Simonsen.
Data from the buildings is collected in EC Dashboard, Energy Control’s own platform for building management.
– The platform is an extremely useful tool for our operational staff. With a few quick taps they have full control over the buildings and receive alerts if any values are exceeded, says Simonsen.
Proud of the journey
Founder and CEO of Energy Control, Tommy Hagenes, praises DNB and the technology journey the company has undertaken.
– That they dared to back a small challenger like Energy Control says a great deal about DNB Næringseiendom. For large companies it is often difficult to change direction quickly, but DNB has had a proactive approach to new technology. The Markeveien project is in many ways a star example of what it is possible to achieve when the building owner and the various professional communities pull in the right direction. We are extremely proud of the journey we have been through and the collaboration we have had and continue to have with DNB, says Hagenes.
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