Buildwise carried out geothermal and solar studies for the Vaasa Student Housing Foundation VOAS on 25 properties, entirely remotely thanks to good data. The client was pleased with the agility, strong skills and attention to the client’s needs.
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 in concrete terms which sites would be technically and economically suitable for investment.The main focus was to find out where it would be profitable to switch to geothermal heating and where it would be worth installing 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 properties are very diverse, so Buildwise carried out the reviews on a property-by-property basis. Buildwise examined properties including:
- Current situation of energy consumption in buildings and forms of heating
- Geographical suitability of the systems
- Suitability of roof structures and other areas of buildings for the installation of solar panels
- Suitability of sites for the installation of geothermal wells
- Legal and regulatory requirements
Buildwise provided preliminary measurements of the systems to be implemented if the site passed the suitability criteria. It also calculated the investment costs, savings and the 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, but were able to do the work based on the materials we provided,” says Teppo Rasku, Real Estate Director at VOAS. (Translated from Finnish)
The client was given clear stepping stones for the future
As a result of the project, VOAS gained information on where geothermal and photovoltaic energy are suitable and where it makes the most sense to target investments.
The results support VOAS’ decision-making and investment targeting. Based on the work of Buildwise, the Foundation has already promoted the use of geothermal and solar electricity in properties where it makes sense.
Buildwise took into account our needs as a client and delivered the project as agreed and on time. They have strong professional skills and provided us with good reports with valuable information. They enabled us to make sound investments and move towards the goals set in our strategy,” says Teppo Rasku. (Translated from Finnish)
Main findings of the survey
- VOAS gained a lot of important information on the suitability and cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency measures.
- Resources can now be targeted to the right sites and energy solutions.
- VOAS was quickly able to promote the tendering and implementation of photovoltaic systems.
- Valuable support for budgeting was provided for the coming years.
