Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy – Towards top-level energy efficiency
Commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability
Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy manages and develops public properties in the city of Kotka. One of its strategic objectives is to improve building energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in line with EU standards.
“Our mission is to develop Kotka’s properties with a long-term and sustainable approach. Energy efficiency is not just a cost — it’s an investment that pays off financially while improving comfort and functionality,” says CEO Aleksi Sallinen.
Collaboration with nolla_E
Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy partnered with nolla_E to find data-driven and comprehensive solutions for improving energy performance. Thanks to nolla_E’s expertise in re-engineering of energy flows and use of optimization software, tailored energy solutions were created for each building — with a strong focus on both environmental and economic sustainability.
“nolla_E stood out because they didn’t just suggest isolated efficiency measures — they offered a holistic plan that considers the unique needs of each property. The cooperation has been smooth and transparent, and nolla_E has taken an active lead in driving the projects forward,” Sallinen explains.
| Keyword: Re-engineering of energy flows |
| Re-engineering of energy flows is a method for assessing each building’s energy efficiency potential comprehensively. nolla_E’s proprietary software analyzes up to 1,000 individual energy efficiency measures and approximately 100,000 combinations per building, calculating their impact with precision. Based on these calculations, the software selects the combination that provides the best financial return and the most significant energy savings. In the case of Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy, re-engineering of energy flows were used to determine the most cost-effective way to bring the buildings either to the A energy class or into the top 15% of energy-efficient buildings in the EU, considering each building’s specific conditions and constraints. |
Energy efficiency projects and their Impact
Together, nolla_E and Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy have designed and begun implementing several energy efficiency projects that improve building performance and reduce the need for purchased energy. Examples include:
- Merikeskus Vellamo: 46 energy efficiency measures implemented. The measures included, among others, changes to air handling units, ventilation ductwork, and the heating and cooling systems.
- Aittapolku sports hall: 10 energy efficiency measures implemented. The measures included, among others, changes to air handling units and structural upgrades.
- Concert hall: 13 energy efficiency measures implemented. The measures included, among others, changes to air handling units, structural upgrades, and adjustments to heating and cooling systems.
- Savotta (Main Building): 12 energy efficiency measures implemented. The measures included, among others, changes to air handling units, control systems, and the use of ventilation systems.
- Länsi-Kotka Service Center: 13 energy efficiency measures implemented. The measures included, among others, changes to heating, cooling, all air handling units, and ventilation ductwork.
In total, 94 energy efficiency measures have been implemented across the properties. Altogether, the collaboration includes ten projects with the shared goal of improving the energy performance of buildings so that they rank among the top 15% most energy-efficient buildings in the EU.
nolla_E’s AI-powered software doesn’t just focus on individual actions but evaluates each property as a whole. In Kotka, the software calculated over 100,000 different combinations per building before identifying the most cost-effective mix of measures that would both maximize savings and raise the building’s energy class to the EU top 15%. This approach is not based on assumptions but on data and measurable value, delivered for every project.
Financial and environmental benefits
Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy expects substantial energy savings. In some buildings, purchased energy use could drop by up to 70%, resulting in significant reductions in operational costs. These measures also support Kotka’s climate neutrality goals.
“nolla_E’s solutions deliver both economic and environmental impact. With these projects, we can significantly cut the need for purchased energy while improving the experience for building users,” says Sallinen.
A long-term partnership
Kotkan Julkiset Kiinteistöt Oy sees nolla_E as a long-term partner in its sustainability journey.
“nolla_E makes collaboration easy — their comprehensive approach to energy optimization and data utilization is truly convincing. This partnership has been seamless, and we look forward to what’s next,” Sallinen concludes.