Municipality reduced energy consumption by 22 percent

Aurskog-Høland in Akershus has an EPC with AF Energi, entering its final phase in January 2024. The project implemented 117 measures in 22 buildings, yielding an annual energy saving of 2.8 GWh and reducing consumption by 22%.

– EPC offers the advantages of cost savings and environmental benefits, along with upgrading technical equipment, states Jahn Arvid Svendsen, Property Manager in Aurskog-Høland Municipality.  

– The data shows that energy use at the town hall has been significantly reduced. Optimizing the 13 ventilation systems in the building has clearly had an effect," says Svendsen. 

Jahn Arvid Svendsen (left) together with Jan Erik Tofsrud and Andrea Vihovde from AF Energi.

Several measures were implemented in many buildings, including control systems, pipe insulation, and hot water reduction.

A new SD system was installed in 16 municipal buildings, improving oversight and reducing energy consumption, saving 659,812 kWh annually. Pipe insulation in 14 buildings saved 138,182 kWh. Water-saving nozzles replaced faucets in all buildings, saving 30,831 kWh.

• An EPC (Energy Performance Contract) is a three-phase contract focused on energy savings. It involves surveying a building stock, implementing various energy efficiency measures, and closely monitoring consumption development afterward. 
• The energy contractor guarantees energy savings over an agreed period, thereby reducing the customer's investment risk. 
• This model requires the contractor to take responsibility for the results and can help achieve sustainability goals, reduce energy costs, and improve energy efficiency competence among the building's operational managers.

Maintaining good dialogue with regular meetings has been key to the project's success, says property manager Jahn Arvid Svendsen. – If you lack energy specialists within the municipality, an EPC contract allows you to outsource energy efficiency tasks. Having a consultant from Asplan Viak throughout the process has provided us with valuable expertise, he adds.

Jan Erik Tofsrud serves as the project manager for AF Energi on the EPC contract with Aurskog-Høland Municipality. He brings extensive experience in the upgrading of municipal buildings.

– When we undertake a comprehensive rehabilitation of the municipality's energy systems, it results in several positive side effects, including an enhanced indoor climate due to improved control and regulation of heating, he explains. 

For energy engineer Andrea Vihovde, this project marks her first assignment as an employee of AF. She has significantly contributed to the final phase of the project, focusing on the documentation and description of systems.

– This project has been excellent for gaining insight into various energy-saving measures, says Vihovde. 

Bjørkelangen nursing home

A total of six measures have been implemented at Bjørkelangen Nursing Home, resulting in a total saving of 558,949 kWh, equivalent to a 37% reduction in energy consumption.

• Ventilation recovery: Upgraded from a cross-flow to a rotary heat exchanger, increasing efficiency from 58% to 80%. Saving: 388,381 kWh.

• Insulation: Insulating all uninsulated pipe components and stretches in the boiler room. Saving: 23,796 kWh.

• LED Lighting: Replaced 811 fluorescent fixtures with LED fixtures. Saving: 41,696 kWh.

• Hot Water Reduction: Installed water-saving nozzles in 60 sinks, reducing hot water consumption by 40-60%. Saving: 6,695 kWh.

• Thermostats: Replaced 46 thermostats with more accurate, lockable ones. Saving: 13,800 kWh.

• Control System: Installed a modern central operations control system (SD system) for better technical system management. Expected saving: 84,582 kWh.

Løken School has achieved a significant reduction in energy consumption through a series of measures designed to optimize energy usage and minimize heat loss. Eight initiatives have been implemented within the building, resulting in a cumulative saving of 320,730 kWh. These measures encompass both minor and major efforts, all contributing to the overall reduction in energy consumption.

The smaller initiatives include insulating pipe components, reinstalling seals on a rotary heat exchanger, replacing outdoor lighting, and implementing hot water reduction measures. In detail:

• Insulating pipe components: All uninsulated pipe sections in the boiler room will be covered with insulation pads for components and shell insulation for pipe stretches, resulting in a saving of 13,029 kWh.
• Hot water reduction: 20 sinks have been equipped with water-saving nozzles, reducing hot water consumption by 40-60% while maintaining functionality, leading to a saving of 2,636 kWh.
• Outdoor lighting replacement: Older outdoor lighting will be replaced with LED lights with sensors, reducing energy consumption and yielding a saving of 2,740 kWh.

The more extensive measures include the installation of a ground source heat pump with a well park of five wells, fan replacement and CO2 control, attic insulation, and an SD system installation. Specifically:

• Water-to-water heat pump: A liquid/water heat pump system with energy wells will be installed to cover the base load and work in conjunction with the electric boiler to manage peak loads, providing a saving of 232,793 kWh.
• SD system installation: This system will enable optimized control of various systems, including the electric boiler, water heater, panel heaters, pool, and snow melting system, reducing energy consumption by adapting operations to actual needs, with a saving of 39,347 kWh.
• Fan replacement and CO2 control: Inefficient fans will be replaced with energy-efficient models, and a CO2 sensor will be installed to regulate air volume based on room occupancy, achieving a saving of 12,320 kWh.
• Cold attic insulation: Additional blown insulation will be added to reduce heat loss through the roof, improving the building's energy efficiency and saving 10,760 kWh.

A total of nine energy-saving measures have been implemented at Ulvehaugen Care Homes, resulting in a significant reduction of 312,419 kWh per year.

Rotary Heat Exchanger and Water-Based Battery Installation: A new unit featuring a rotary heat exchanger and a water-based battery has been installed, yielding a saving of 44,781 kWh.

Insulation of Valves and Pipe Components: This measure involves the delivery and installation of custom-made insulation pads for valves and fittings lacking insulation, thereby reducing heat loss and regulating the boiler room temperature. The pads are designed for easy reinstallation during replacements or maintenance. Saving: 9,839 kWh.

LED Fixture Replacement: A total of 252 fluorescent tubes have been replaced with LED fixtures, resulting in a saving of 22,012 kWh.

Hot Water Reduction Measures: The provision and installation of water-saving aerators on sinks reduce energy consumption related to water heating. These aerators mix air into the water, maintaining a steady stream without affecting user comfort while using less water. Saving: 2,789 kWh.

Implementation of an SD System: An SD system is planned to manage and monitor pumps and mixing valves in the boiler room. The electric boiler and heat pump will be optimally regulated by the SD system, with the heat pump being utilized prior to the activation of the electric boiler. The ventilation system will also be integrated into this system. The snow melting system can be monitored and overridden by the SD system as well. Saving: 33,543 kWh.

Automation of the Snow Melting System: Automation will be introduced to ensure that the snow melting system is activated only when both precipitation and cold temperatures are detected simultaneously. Saving: 15,120 kWh.

Mini Ventilation Units: Mini ventilation units have been installed in all resident rooms, mounted on the exterior walls of the housing, boasting a recovery rate of 85%. Saving: 54,261 kWh.

Thermostat Replacement: Twenty-two thermostats are scheduled for replacement with more accurate versions that can be locked to prevent unauthorized adjustments. Saving: 7,920 kWh.

Water-to-Water Heat Pump Installation: A liquid/water heat pump system with three energy wells has been installed. Saving: 122,152 kWh.

For more information about our energy efficiency initiatives, please visit our website.