Together They Can Solve the Power Crisis

Over three years, Statens Vegvesen, together with its partner Energy Control, has reduced energy use in its own buildings by 21.5 percent.

– If all building owners did what Statens Vegvesen has done, we would probably not have a power crisis, says CEO of Proptech Norway, Daniel G. Butenschøn.

Proptech Norway is a non-profit network within real estate that works to promote sustainable development of buildings, cities and property companies. One of their members is Statens Vegvesen.

– That they are showing the way and want to be a driver for how Norway adopts innovation is very exciting, says Butenschøn.

Head of FDVU & Proptech at Statens Vegvesen, Martin H. Sæther, explains that three years ago they embarked on a nationwide energy journey.

– We wanted better control over our own buildings and had an ambition for a significant reduction in energy use, says Sæther.

‍

Down by 21.5 percent
The journey began with a thorough mapping of available solutions. After a thorough evaluation process, they chose the small entrepreneurial company, Energy Control.

– They had an unconventional approach with extensive use of new technology. We liked what we heard, but to get to know the technology we started with a small pilot at Voss, says Sæther.

The result was convincing, and the technology has now been rolled out across the whole country.

– So far we have achieved a total energy reduction of 21.5 percent. In individual buildings we have reached as high as 40 percent, says Sæther.

‍

Starts with insight
What the two partners have done is use new technology to extract real-time data from the buildings.

– Everything is about insight. We therefore always start by finding the building’s heartbeat, says Tommy Hagenes at Energy Control.

The technology not only reveals faults, but is also used to make buildings self-managing based on usage and measured indoor climate.

– We use wireless sensors and data both to find faults and to manage the buildings. We do this at a completely different cost to traditional solutions, says Hagenes.

The company has now developed the app, EC Go, which gives users access to all important building data directly on their phone.

– The app gives us immediate control over our buildings, says Sæther.

‍

Relevant for all building owners
Butenschøn believes the solutions Energy Control is working on hit all building owners right where it matters.

– Energy optimisation affects the wallet, but also access to financing. This is therefore important for all building owners, says Butenschøn.

‍