Buildwise has been managing and building energy efficiency for Finnish retailer Kesko since 2024. Buildwise’s services support Kesko’s ambitious sustainability targets, including a 50% reduction in emissions from its own operations by 2034 from the 2024 baseline.
Kesko actively monitors energy consumption in its properties and is involved in projects such as the Energy Efficiency Management Project (ETJ+ project). The Buildwise cooperation is a natural extension of this work.
Buildwise provided concrete expertise
At the end of 2023, Kesko was looking for a partner to manage the energy management of its properties and put out a call for tenders for service providers. Buildwise stood out from the start with its expertise and proactivity.
“Buildwise and I immediately had a common vision on how we could contribute to the work together. They had a real can-do spirit, which reinforced our belief that with their help we could effectively promote Kesko’s objectives,” says Tommi Martikainen, Kesko’s Energy Specialist. “They also conveyed a strong interest in the sector, which is important for the success of the work,” he continues (translated from Finnish)
Versatile energy efficiency monitoring, optimisation and consulting
The cooperation with Buildwise was launched in Kesko’s properties in Western Finland at the beginning of 2024. The properties to be managed represent all three of Kesko’s divisions and include, for example, K-Citymarket, K-Supermarket, K-Auto, K-Rauta, Onninen and shopping centre properties.
In the field of energy management, Buildwise’s task is to monitor and control the energy consumption of the properties and to propose a wide range of measures to improve energy efficiency based on its findings. Buildwise also reacts to any anomalies in energy consumption and identifies the causes.
Buildwise also provides technical building services on site, for example by taking responsibility for the design, construction and supervision of energy efficiency projects. In addition, Buildwise provides consultancy services to meet the needs of both Kesko and the properties.
Substantial savings through energy investments and efficiency measures
Buildwise quickly identified potential energy savings in already energy-efficient properties to reduce energy consumption, and the recommended measures have resulted in significant savings.
For example, at Turtola Business Centre in Tampere, the building automation system was upgraded and control method changes were made. The site also saw the replacement of ventilation fans. As a result, the building’s heating energy consumption was reduced by more than half compared to the baseline.
At K-Supermarket Teljänport in Kokemäki, energy consumption was improved and savings achieved by replacing the ventilation fans, relocating the condensing radiator and making changes to the control system.
Smooth cooperation on a large scale
The common objectives set for the first year of operation were clearly achieved. The results spoke for themselves, and Kesko has been convinced of the quality of Buildwise’s service. That is why Kesko wanted to extend Buildwise’s service to new sites already during the same year.
The cooperation has been structured and smooth for both parties. Advance planning and good interaction and cooperation skills are important factors for smooth cooperation. Buildwise works on a daily basis with Kesko’s network of services and operators, including property managers, retailers, maintenance companies and other operators in the operation and maintenance of the property.
“Representatives from the operational side of the sites have been pleased with Buildwise’s work. All the energy consumption survey requests they have submitted have been fully analysed and a lot of time has been spent on analysing the consumption anomalies.”
Tommi Martikainen, Kesko Energy Specialist
“Working with Kesko has been very rewarding and we look forward to continuing to work towards their ambitious emissions targets.”
Toni Sulonen, CEO of Buildwise
