Modern Building Automation Enables Efficient Energy Solutions
Kaari Shopping Centre upgraded its entire building automation system to reduce energy consumption. The modern technology is expected to bring significant savings in the 46,000 square meter property.
The previous building automation system of Kaari Shopping Centre, located in the Kannelmäki district of Helsinki, Finland, was constructed in three phases between 2009 and 2013. The old technology was no longer considered adequate to meet current needs.
“We are actively striving to improve our energy efficiency. Success in this endeavor critically depends on how effectively we can control our various technical systems. For instance, our old system had ‘on or off’ -control for ventilation, which is outdated” Property Manager Pekka Halimaa.
“We are actively striving to improve our energy efficiency. Success in this endeavor critically depends on how effectively we can control our various technical systems. For instance, our old system had ‘on or off’ -control for ventilation, which is outdated” explains Property Manager Pekka Halimaa.
Many solutions were also deemed outdated. For instance, heating and cooling systems operated independently, making it impossible to optimize conditions for both comfort and energy efficiency.
Systems to ensure Energy Savings
New energy-efficient solutions require smart, modern building automation. In addition to controlling capabilities, modern energy systems need data produced by building automation to function effectively.
With the complete renovation of Kaari’s building automation, the goal was to ensure that all future energy-saving solutions could be utilized as broadly as possible.
Kaari already has its own solar power plant and is also working on a geothermal system. More innovations are planned, according to Renea’s Jii Van, who acted as project manager and consultant for the renovation.
“We plan to build an energy recycling system that will integrate all renewable heating solutions. In the future, we will be able to store heat and use it when energy prices are high.Implementing all this requires a smart building automation system,” Van emphasizes.
Renovation Completed Without Disrupting Operations
Kaari’s building automation system is unique because it also integrates the shopping center’s fire alarms and smoke extraction system. According to Halimaa, it was crucial to find a partner to ensure reliable smoke extraction as part of the building automation system.
This was successfully achieved in collaboration with Fidelix.
“We always strive to carry out even major renovations without interruptions and without disturbing the daily operations of those using the property. This was accomplished during both the renovation of Kaari’s BA system and the smoke extraction system, even though the property is open 24/7. Large property renovations, where Fidelix acts as the main contractor, are the projects where we excel,” says Onni Sorsa, Department Manager at Fidelix.
The entire property’s smoke extraction system was renewed and tested in just four days, thanks to collaboration and early involvement of the maintenance team.
“We contacted the smoke extraction system’s maintenance team and asked for their help with testing. This allowed the system user to learn the new automation system right away, which helped keep the downtime short,” explains project manager Antti Niiranen from Fidelix.
Kaari is satisfied with the implementation and collaboration with Fidelix. The project will immediately continue with the energy recycling system.
“We can now develop our operations to be increasingly energy efficient. Continuous improvement benefits not only the environment but also the tenants, as low operating costs enable low rents,” Property manager Pekka Halimaa
“We can now develop our operations to be increasingly energy efficient. Continuous improvement benefits not only the environment but also the tenants, as low operating costs enable low rents,” Halimaa summarizes.
Is it time to renovate the automation system?
Read more about the renovations and how to choose between retrofit and full renovation.