Energy at home

This is how we get better together

A few years after residents moved in, it became clear that the newly built properties in Hammarby Sjöstad had much higher energy consumption than the initial target set for the city district. Many buildings also suffered from insufficient technical maintenance. Addressing these issues marked the starting point for Energi Hemma.

In Hammarby Sjöstad, ElectriCITY has been working for several years on energy efficiency initiatives in collaboration with the Sjöstadsföreningen. We have organized energy meetings for residents, and many housing cooperatives have made significant investments in renewable energy. This has led to substantial energy and cost savings. The Energi Hemma project was one of the first two projects that ElectriCITY launched in partnership with Sjöstadsföreningen as early as 2013.

When Hammarby Sjöstad was first developed in the early 2000s, the environmental goals were ambitious, including high standards for the buildings’ energy performance. Over time, however, it became apparent that the energy performance of the new buildings was not as good as promised. Most buildings in Hammarby Sjöstad have higher energy consumption than the target, and many suffer from inadequate technical maintenance — a common issue not unique to Hammarby Sjöstad.

The goal of Energi Hemma (Energy at home) is for all buildings in Hammarby Sjöstad to be climate neutral by 2030. Achieving this requires collaboration, new and innovative ideas, practical actions, and hands-on work.

65%

Project period

Sep 2013 - Dec 2030

lower energy costs

thanks to joint procurements!

Project info

Category Energy

Project nameEnergy at home

Contact persons at ElectriCITY

Jan Fransson

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Jörgen Lööf

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Energy Mapping — The Starting Point of the Work

Nearly all housing cooperatives in Hammarby Sjöstad have conducted an energy audit, or “Ecodrive” as we call it. Housing cooperatives that are members of the Sjöstadsföreningen receive a free Ecodrive and action plan if they take on the “Energy at Home” challenge, which involves committing to a systematic approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Willy Ociansson, Sweden’s leading expert on energy efficiency, has conducted these energy audits, which involve a comprehensive review of the energy system — from garages and basements to attics and roofs. Willy identifies shortcomings and highlights areas with potential for improvement, both in building design and in energy system management. He also provides advice on renewable energy options and various investments that can help reduce energy consumption.

Energy Manager in the Housing Cooperative

In Hammarby Sjöstad, most housing cooperatives have a designated energy manager responsible for monitoring and presenting energy efficiency measures to the board. Improving the energy efficiency of the property leads to lower operating costs and an increased market value, and may even result in reduced fees for the association. If you live in an cooperative that lacks an energy manager, raise the issue at the annual general meeting.

Carl-Gustav “Charlie” Sjömark is the energy manager for his housing cooperative, brf Sjöstaden 1, which has saved approximately 1,000,000 SEK per year through reduced energy consumption.

Proposal to Appoint an Energy Manager

Here you can download the text of a proposal that can be submitted to the association to appoint an energy manager.

Link to the Proposal in Swedish (Word-file)

Energy Meetings — Energizes

ElectriCITY, in collaboration with Sjöstadsföreningen, holds regular energy meetings a few times each term. At these gatherings, energy managers and other board members from the housing cooperatives in Hammarby Sjöstad come together.

During these energy meetings, energy managers receive updates on the latest energy-saving measures and renewable energy solutions. Leading companies are invited to present their innovations, while researchers and government representatives showcase future solutions. Energy managers also share the actions they’ve implemented and the energy savings achieved. There’s often keen interest in what neighboring cooperatives have done, and many housing cooperatives have made significant investments in renewable energy, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings.

Joint Agreements — Saving Money

A key success factor in the Energy at Home project has been the collective procurement and framework agreements for investments in solar panels, heat pumps, geothermal heating, and new control systems. These joint agreements not only offer better prices than if each housing cooperative procured services independently, but they also provide added security. All participating associations have benefited both in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings. For around 25 associations, this collaborative effort has led to reductions in energy costs of over 50 percent.

Tips on Approaches to Energy Issues

The method developed in Hammarby Sjöstad to create engagement in energy efficiency efforts among housing cooperatives has been documented and turned into a simple handbook. This handbook aims to motivate energy efficiency improvements and the associated savings and is offered to other neighborhoods, municipalities, and engaged citizen groups.