The Vaasa Student Housing Foundation (VOAS) is a major property owner and developer, providing a home for around one in five young people studying in Vaasa. VOAS decided to explore the possibility of using geothermal heating and solar electricity at its properties, as environmental responsibility and energy efficiency are part of its strategy. VOAS asked Buildwise to carry out a geothermal and solar energy survey for 25 properties.
The aim of the project was to identify which properties would be technically and economically suitable for investment. The main focus was to identify where it would be profitable to switch to geothermal heating and where it would be worthwhile to install solar panels. The Foundation also wanted information on how the changes would affect the energy efficiency classes and E-factors of the buildings.
A quick and cost-effective analysis was carried out remotely
VOAS has a wide variety of properties, so Buildwise carried out the analysis on a property-by-property basis. Buildwise examined properties including:
- The current energy consumption of the properties and the heating methods used
- Geographical suitability of the systems
- Suitability of roof structures and other areas of the buildings for the installation of solar panels
- Suitability of sites for the installation of geothermal wells
- Legal and regulatory requirements
Buildwise provided preliminary calculations of the systems to be implemented if the site passed the suitability criteria. It also calculated the investment costs, savings and impact on the E-factor of the buildings.
The project was particularly fast and cost-effective because it could be carried out entirely remotely. VOAS had comprehensive and up-to-date data on all its sites, including aerial photos, drone videos and consumption data. This allowed Buildwise to quickly target resources to potential properties. All surveys and reporting were completed within four weeks.
I am pleased with the agility of the process and the fact that the euros were spent as wisely as possible. Buildwise’s experts did not spend weeks touring our sites, they were able to do the work based on the data we provided,” says Teppo Rasku, Real Estate Director at VOAS.
The client was given clear steps to follow
As a result of the project, VOAS received information on where geothermal and photovoltaic are suitable and where it makes the most sense to target investments.
The results support VOAS’ decision-making and investment allocation. Based on Buildwise’s work, the Foundation has already promoted the deployment of geothermal and solar PV in properties where it makes sense.
Buildwise was responsive to our needs as a client and delivered the project as agreed and on time. They have strong professional skills and we received good reports from them with valuable information. Based on them, we are able to make sound investments and move towards the goals set in our strategy,” says Teppo Rasku.
