Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
GREENENG 12/2018
for real
2 //
INTRODUCTION 5
APILA GROUP 6
ASSI GROUP 8
AURELIA TURBINES 10
DANFOSS EDITRON OY 12
ETELÄ-KARJALAN JÄTEHUOLTO 14
FINNSEMENTTI 16
FLOWROX 18
GASUM 20
GRANLUND 22
GREEN ENERGY FINLAND 24
IMATRAN LÄMPÖ 26
THE IMATRA REGION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 28
IMATRAN SEUDUN SÄHKÖ 30
ITULA 32
IVH KAMPUS 34
KYMI-SOLAR 36
LAPPEENRANTA & WIRMA 38
LAPPEENRANNAN ASUNTOPALVELU 42 LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA 44
Contents
LAPPEENRANTA BUSINESS FACILITIES 46
LCA CONSULTING 48
LOAS 50
LUT 52
LUUMÄKI 54
METSÄ FIBRE 56
OUTOTEC 58
PARIKKALAN VALO 60
PROHEAT 62
REJLERS 64
SAIMAA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES 66
SETCleanTech 68
TAIPALSAARI 70
THE SWITCH 72
TIETOKOURA 74
TUULIMUUKKO 76
UPM KAUKAS 78
VIITACON 80
WSP PROKO 82
WIMAO 84
CONTENTS // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 3
>> www.greenreality.fi/en/network
4 // Je
tro
Mat
ilain
en
Ecological measuresand new businessoperations
>> www.greenreality.fi/en/network
GREENREALITY NETWORK IS A BUSINESS-ORIENTED NETWORK OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTORS. IT OPERATES IN SOUTH KARELIA, FINLAND AND CREATES GROWTH AND NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ITS MEMBERS.
Members of the network include energy and environ-mental businesses operating in the area, municipalities and research and education institutions. The network is coordinated by Wirma, the business services unit of the City of Lappeenranta.
The purpose of the Greenreality Network is to increase networking by enterprises, develop the operational environment, showcase the region’s high-tech sites and connect the operators of the Greenreality Network with Lappeenranta University of Technology – LUT’s – Green Campus entity.
The products and services of the companies and organisations that belong to the network are based on the use and production of renewable energy,
energy-efficient solutions and expertise that promotes sustainable development. The network enables companies to share their expertise and develop new innovations.
The network’s coach is LUT. It encourages the mem- bers of the network to innovate solutions that have business potential, create job opportunities and promote sustainable development.
This brochure contains basic information on the network members. For more information on the Greenreality Network and the activities of the network, please visit www.greenrealitynetwork.fi. The open website is a virtual window into the green expertise in South Karelia.
INTRODUCTION // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 5
Ecological measuresand new businessoperations
6 //
The best solutionsare productised andcommercialised.
THE OPERATIONS OF APILA GROUP ARE A COMBINATION OF WISE MATERIALS,PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.
>> www.apilagroup.fi
Creative approach to productdevelopment and environmental challenges
A functional circular economy requires new ways of thinking, innovative approaches, cooperation, interdisciplinary expertise and courage to act. Apila Group has mastered all of these elements, and it offers expert solutions on the regional, organisational and individual levels.
Operations of Apila Group are based on solid know- how in materials chemistry, materials efficient product development and productisation.
The company has completed several development projects and pilot trials on the utilisation and practical use of by-product materials as fertiliser, waste and run-
off water treatment, earthworks and various composite materials.
As a pioneer in participatory environmental management, Apila Group helps its customers turn their environmental goals into daily operations. Their methods include participatory workshops and tailor-made and practical operational steering models.
The resource efficiency of customer organisations is also steered by the appropriate legislation, the environmental expertise of staff, effective processes and well-functioning indicators. Apila Group’s services facilitate improved management of these factors.
APILA GROUP IS A SPECIALIST IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY WITH ASTRONG TEAM OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY EXPERTS COMBINED WITHENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTISE. APILA GROUP OY AB WAS FOUNDED IN 2006.THE COMPANY HAS OFFICES IN JOENSUU AND LAPPEENRANTA.
APILA GROUP // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 7
A 9,000 M2 OFFICE BUILDING IN VAPAUDENAUKIO PLAZA AND THE WILHUNKULMA COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PROVIDE FIRST-RATE FACILITIES FOR MORE THAN 50 COMPANIES, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF LAPPEENRANTA.
>> www.assigroup.fi
Sustainability in real estate development
In Vapaudenaukio, you can find flexible office spaces equipped with modern facilities that can meet the needs of businesses with anything from one to over a hundred employees. Our popular location in Vapaudenaukio will also be expanding, as another office building (Vapaudenaukio 3) is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019. Our Wilhun- kulma property is located right next to the pedestrian zone, and offers premises for restaurants, retail stores and service companies. For industrial operations, we have premises and lots at the industry hub in Muukonkangas, next to Highway 6.
Our office buildings in Vapaudenaukio are the first in Lappeenranta to receive Gold certification in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system. The certification criteria include the reduction of energy consumption, efficient use of water,
reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, improving indoor air quality, and the location of the building. In Vapauden-aukio, we have paid particular attention to managing in- door conditions and supporting commuting to work by bike.
New commercial and retail premises will also be available in the esteemed Armilanlinna property in the city block next to the railway station. Armilanlinna is an architecturally and historically valuable school building, and we’ll be giving it both a new purpose and a new lease of life. When developing this property, we will be careful to respect its rich history and the spirit of this fine example of functionalist architecture, without compromising on the conveniences of modern technology. The Armilanlinna business premises are scheduled for completion by the end of March 2019.
ASSI GROUP OY IS A PRIVATE-SECTOR REAL ESTATE COMPANY BASED IN LAPPEENRANTA. WE DEVELOP PROPERTIES THAT WE OWN AND LEASE OUT – BUSINESS PREMISES TO COMPANIES AND APARTMENTS TO PRIVATE TENANTS. WE OFFER OFFICES AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN THE BEST LOCATIONS IN THE CENTRE OF LAPPEENRANTA. IN ADDITION TO LAPPEENRANTA, WE OFFER RENTAL HOUSING IN LAHTI, MIKKELI, KUOPIO AND TALLINN.
8 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // ASSI GROUP
Sustainability in real estate development
Office space and homes with energy- efficient life cycles.
// 9
10 //
Aur
elia
Tur
bine
s
One A400 turbine can generate enough energy to power almost 200 detached homes.
AURELIA TURBINES MANUFACTURES SMALL, EXTREMELY EFFICIENT GAS TURBINES THAT CAN ALSO RUN ON RENEWABLE FUELS.
>> www.aureliaturbines.com
A pioneer in energy-efficiency and decentralised energy production
– Our turbines can use a variety of different gas and liquid fuels, including renewable sources. Energy efficiency is, however, the prevailing theme. We want to promote decentralised energy production, says CEO Matti Malkamäki.
These gas turbines are particularly suited to the small-scale process industry, and their competitive advantage lies in their high efficiency rate, which can exceed 40 per cent. Their technology is based on the company’s own innovations, and also harnesses techniques developed at Lappeenranta University of Technology.
A traditional piston engine comes second to a gas turbine in several ways – it cannot, for example, run
on biofuels or produce steam. One A400 turbine can generate enough energy to power almost 200 detached homes.
Production was launched in Lappeenranta in November 2017. Sales are being expanded to different corners of the world, and the company’s marketing team operates out of Central Europe. An associated company in Mexico has markets in Central and Middle America.
The goal is to acquire small and medium-sized industrial customers in Central and Eastern Europe, the UK and Russia. Gas turbines are suitable for use in a number of sectors, such as food and drink, brewing, and industrial building materials.
AURELIA TURBINES MANUFACTURES SMALL, EXTREMELY EFFICIENT GAS TURBINES. THE COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2013 AND HAS A MANUFACTURING PLANT IN LAPPEENRANTA, AN ASSOCIATED COMPANY IN MEXICO, AND SALES OFFICES IN GERMANY, THE UK AND AUSTRIA.
AURELIA TURBINES // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 11
Danfoss Editron’s efficient systems enable customers to gain significant savings in fuel costs and emissions.
12 //
DANFOSS EDITRON IS CHANGING HOW THE WORLD MOVES WITH ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS FOR HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND MACHINES ON LAND AND SEA.
>> www.danfoss.com/editron
The revolution of electrification is here
Our team is working to enable a cleaner tomorrow through electrification, developing systems that deliver more power with less fuel consumption and fewer emissions. Our unique synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet (SRPM) technology and software offer market-leading efficiency to revolutionize hybrid and electric applications for commercial vehicles,
machines and marine vessels within the power range of 30 kW to 2,000 kW.
Our rugged and compact systems are teamed with smart software controls to provide a comprehensive drivetrain solution for our customers.
BASED IN LAPPEENRANTA, FINLAND, OUR DIVISION HAS OPERATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS, HONG KONG AND TAIWAN TO SERVE OUR BROAD INTERNATIONAL CLIENT BASE, WITH EXPORTS TO EUROPE AND ASIA REPRESENTING 90 PER CENT OF SALES. AT DANFOSS EDITRON, WE’VE ASSEMBLED SOME OF THE BRIGHTEST MINDS IN THE INDUSTRY TO WORK ON THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT WILL ENABLE THE WORLD OF TOMORROW TO DO MORE WITH LESS.
DANFOSS EDITRON OY // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 13
14 //
The energy obtained from the drywaste produced by households inSouth Karelia is equal to the need forheating of 6,000 single-family houses.
ETELÄ-KARJALAN JÄTEHUOLTO OY IS A PIONEER IN RECYCLING, AIMING TOMINIMISE THE FINAL DISPOSAL OF WASTE THAT BURDENS THE ENVIRONMENT.
>> www.ekjh.fi
Dry waste into energy,recycling for other forms of waste
These days, all dry waste produced by households in South Karelia is turned into energy. Etelä-Karjalan Jätehuolto Oy, which handles the management and transportation of waste produced by residents in its owner municipalities, delivers the dry waste to Ekokem’s waste-to-energy plant for incineration.
The Kukkuroinmäki waste processing centre in Lappeenranta processes approximately 50,000 tonnes of municipal waste in one year. Almost half of this municipal waste is composted, one-half is recycled, and only a few percent of it ends up in final disposal.
One hundred percent of dry waste from households is delivered for recycling into energy. Glass, metal, cardboard and paper are also recycled. Hazardous waste is delivered elsewhere for processing.
Bio waste, garden waste, and sludge from wastewater treatment plants are composted in a composting plant within the yard of the waste processing centre.
Thanks to advice and an extensive network of waste collection points, the residents of the province efficiently sort and recycle their waste.
ETELÄ-KARJALAN JÄTEHUOLTO OY IS A WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANYTHAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1996. ITS SHAREHOLDERS ARE THE CITIES OFLAPPEENRANTA AND IMATRA; AND THE MUNICIPALITIES OF LEMI, LUUMÄKI,PARIKKALA, RAUTJÄRVI, RUOKOLAHTI, SAVITAIPALE AND TAIPALSAARI.APPROXIMATELY 133,000 RESIDENTS LIVE IN THE COMPANY’S OPERATING AREA.
ETELÄ-KARJALAN JÄTEHUOLTO // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 15
FINNSEMENTTI REDUCES CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS BY USINGALTERNATIVE FUELS. THE WASTE HEAT FROM THE CEMENT KILNS IS SOLDTO THE CITY’S DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK.
>> www.finnsementti.fi
Alternative fuels reduceenvironmental impact
The CO2 emissions at Finnsementti’s Lappeenranta plant have steadily declined in the 2010s. The development, in line with the company’s strategy, is affected by the technology of the new cement kiln commissioned in 2007 and the use of alternative fuels. – More than half of the fuel we use is alternative. Mostly we use REF and some recycled oil, explains Jussi Puustinen, director of the plant.
The waste heat generated in the manufacture of cement is sold to Lappeenrannan Energia, which feeds it to the district heating network.
Finnsementti develops the energy efficiency of its operations and production on a continuous basis. Also waste and by-products from other industries is utilised in the manufacture of cement. Mill scale, needed in the process, is obtained from the Imatra steel factory while fly ash comes from power plants. The transportation emissions of the primary raw material remain low, as the limestone is obtained from the Nordkalk quarry next to the plant.
FINNSEMENTTI’S LAPPEENRANTA PLANT MANUFACTURES APPROXIMATELY550,000 TONNES OF CEMENT AND 500,000 TONNES OF CLINKER ANNUALLY.THE PRODUCTION IS ENTIRELY CONSUMED BY THE FINNISH CONSTRUCTIONINDUSTRY. THE PLANT EMPLOYS 65 PEOPLE. CEMENT HAS BEEN MADE INLAPPEENRANTA SINCE 1938.
16 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // FINNSEMENTTI
Alternative fuels andby-products from otherindustries are utilised in themanufacture of cement.
// 17
FLOWROX ENERGY-EFFICIENT PUMPS AND VALVES ARE MADE TO ENDURETHE MOST EXTREME CONDITIONS. LIFE CYCLE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCIES AREMAXIMIZED ALREADY IN THE MANUFACTURING PHASE OF THE EQUIPMENT.
>> www.flowrox.com
Security of supply conservesenergy and the environment
The valves and pumps of Flowrox Oy are used in mines, power plants and waste treatment plants. The equipment is used to process difficult materials, such as mining- and wastewater industry slurries.
The durability of the pinch valves and progressive cavity pumps used all over the world is based on a structure that has been developed for demanding conditions. – For example, our pumps are used in the wastewater treatment plants of Boston, a metropolitan area of more than four million residents, says Industry Director Raimo Lavikainen.
The patented solutions of Flowrox pumps conserve water and consume 40% less electricity than those of its competitors. With spare parts, the savings are up to 60 %. – The customer benefits from long maintenance intervals as production outages do not interfere with operations, says Lavikainen.
Flowrox has recently launched a new Flowrox Smart Solutions TM product family. It includes an interface connected to the valves and pumps through which the user can monitor the operation of the equipment in real time and intervene in any problems quickly.
FLOWROX’S HEADQUARTERS ARE LOCATED IN LAPPEENRANTA. THE COMPANY ALSO HAS A BRANCH IN KOUVOLA AND SUBSIDIARIES IN THE US, AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA, SOUTH AMERICA, RUSSIA, CHINA AND CHILE. NEARLY 80% OF THE COMPANY’S OUTPUT IS EXPORTED, AND SERVICES ARE HANDLED BY MORE THAN 230 REPRESENTATIVES AROUND THE WORLD. THE GROUP HAS MORE THAN 150 EMPLOYEES, AND THAT NUMBER IS GROWING ALL THE TIME.
18 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // FLOWROX
Flowrox is the first pinch valvemanufacturer in the world to havebeen awarded the ISO 9001:2000quality certification.
// 19
Gasum supplies biogas,natural gas and liquefiednatural gas (LNG).
20 //
NATURAL ENERGY GASES MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TOTHE ATTAINMENT OF FINLAND’S NATIONAL EMISSION GOALS.
Striving for a sustainable tomorrow
Gasum is a Finnish expert on natural energy gases (natural gas and biogas). The company imports, transmits and supplies natural energy gas for energy production, industry, households and road and sea traffic. Biogas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) diversify the use of natural energy gases in traffic on roads and at sea. With its sustainable solutions, the company offers a cleaner alternative for the immediate surroundings, the Baltic Sea and the climate.
Gasum develops Finnish energy infrastructure by investing in the LNG market, biogas business and traffic services. The gas pipeline is a logistically efficient and environmentally friendly transmission method that enables the constant transmission of large quantities of gas without any emissions.
The natural gas pipe from Russia is connected from Imatra to a network covering all of Southern Finland. Gasum’s customers in South Karelia include the natural energy gas distribution company Imatran Lämpö Oy, the municipal-ity of Ruokolahti, Lappeenrannan Energia Oy and several paper, cardboard, pulp and steel industry businesses. The company has filling stations for gas vehicles in Imatra and Lappeenranta.
Gasum is actively developing the Finnish biogas industry. Biogas is obtained from Finnish raw materials at landfills, wastewater, farms and wood-based biomass. At the moment, the greatest benefit from biogas is in the form of fuel for traffic and industry. – Biogas is a clean and inexpensive alternative. The end result of incineration is just water and carbon dioxide, says Customer Manager Ari Seppänen.
Energy company Gasum is a Finnish gas sector (natural gas and biogas) expert, building a bridge towards a carbon-neutral society on land and at sea. The company is promoting the creation of a sustainable energy economy by increasing the supply of biogas, developing a Nordic gas ecosystem and fostering the competitiveness of gas prices.
Gasum is the Nordic leader in processing biodegradable waste and the leading biogas provider in the area. The Gasum subsidiary Skangas is the leading Nordic expert in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and will continue to strengthen the position and infrastructure of LNG and the utilisation of new gas solutions in Finland, Sweden and Norway.
GASUM IS A FINNISH EXPERT ON NATURAL ENERGY GASES IN THE NORDICMARKETPLACE. THE COMPANY EMPLOYS AROUND 400 PEOPLE IN FINLAND,SWEDEN AND NORWAY. IN 2016, ITS TURNOVER WAS €843 MILLION.
GASUM // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 21
>> www.gasum.com
22 //
You can reduce your carbonfootprint by around 1/3 bychanging people’s behaviour.
GRANLUND HAS ACHIEVED UNBEATABLE ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR BUILDINGS,REAL ESTATE AND EVEN ENTIRE NEIGHBOURHOODS. IT HAS DONE THIS THROUGHMORE COST-EFFICIENT OPTIMISATION, BASED ON A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS.
Using optimisation to delivermaximum energy efficiency
Every major construction project is preceded by an energy and environmental analysis of the alternatives. In its energy efficiency modelling, Granlund, a leading expert in energy efficiency, uses a virtual modelling tool to minimise investment and life-cycle costs and energy consumption.
The optimisation tool takes just a few hours to prepare 100–1,000 options for the location in question. It calculates and compares the different variables affecting construction projects. Optimisation can be used to determine issues such as how alternative building solutions impact on energy consumption and indoor air.
Granlund motivates in addition to calculating. The operation and maintenance of premises have a key impact on energy efficiency. For example, by motivating people and using devices only when necessary, the electrical consumption of offices can be cut in half. – There is room for improvement in the user friendliness of real estate. For instance, you can reduce your carbon footprint by around 1/3 just by changing people’s behaviour, says Pekka Metsi, CEO of Granlund.
FOUNDED IN 1960, GRANLUND IS A GROUP WITH EXPERTISE IN BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING, REAL ESTATE, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING AS WELL AS SOFTWARE. ITS CORE COMPETENCIES LIE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY. THE COMPANY OPERATES IN 16 LOCATIONS AND EMPLOYS AROUND 600 EXPERTS.
GRANLUND SAIMAA – WHOSE PARTNERS INCLUDE THE CITIES OF LAPPEENRANTA AND IMATRA, AS WELL AS THE LOCAL UNIVERSITY, CENTRAL HOSPITAL, VARIOUS COMMERCIAL COMPANIES AND LOCAL INDUSTRY – OPERATES FROM LAPPEENRANTA.
GRANLUND // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 23
>> www.granlund.fi, www.granlundconsulting.fi
GREENENERGY FINLAND OY (GEF), ONE OF THE LEADING SOLAR POWERSOLUTION PROVIDERS IN FINLAND, IS DEVELOPING SMART GRID SOLUTIONSAND EXPANDING INTO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.
>> www.gef.fi
Solar power startup is developinga decentralised energy ecosystem
Green Energy Finland Oy (GEF) has delivered more than 1,000 solar power plants, in total over 8 MWp. While the company has become one of the largest solar power plant suppliers in Finland, the proportion of inhouse plant design and project management has considerably increased.
GEF has invest more than EUR 5 million in decentralized electricity balance management and smart ecosystem development, for which Tekes (the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation) has provided important support.
GEF develops ecosystem solutions which enable more efficient utilization of decentralized power production and consumption.
The GEF Vision™ solution targeted for solar and grid power system management is a fundamental part of the ongoing product development. The GEF Vision™ includes a PV system connected IPC device which not only reports errors,
but also combines realtime measurement of demand and distributed production with forecast functionality that builds the basis of the energy balance management and optimized use of electricity. – For example, the energy balance management system looks for the least expensive hours and regulates con-sumption accordingly, says Director Mikko Pääkkönen.
The same function can also be used for regulating heat pumps to the building during the event of surplus thus optimizing the efficiency of electricity use. With the inte-gral part of the system, the DC/DC converter, the surplus solar power production is directed into energy storage, which can also be charged and discharged at power grid with price optimised timing. – The solution can use any battery technology, including the batteries of fully electric vehicles (BEV) ), with a bidirectional energy flow, Pääkkönen says.
GREENENERGY FINLAND OY (GEF), FOUNDED IN 2010 IN LAPPEENRANTA, IS A PREMIUMSUPPLIER OF SOLAR POWER AND RELATED ENERGY ECOSYSTEMS. MAIN FOCUS OFTHE BUSINESS IS IN THE DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF COMPREHENSIVE STATE-OF-THE ARTSOLAR POWER AND BALANCE CONTROL SOLUTIONS AS WELL AS EPC DELIVERIES.ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE CONSULTING AND FINANCING.
24 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // GREENENERGY FINLAND
In the European Business Awards competition, GEF was selected both as the winner for Finland as well as one of the 10 bestcompanies in Europe in its turnover category.
// 25
About 60% of the households in Imatra aswell as the largest commercial and officebuildings are heated with district heating.
26 //
THE INTRODUCTION OF BIOFUEL FIRED HEAT ONLY BOILER PLANTS (HOBS)REDUCED EMISSIONS AND LOWERED THE PRICE OF DISTRICT HEAT (DH).
Imatran Lämpö trusts inrenewable fuels
Imatran Lämpö Oy generates more than 95% of district heat with biofuels. Half of the biofuel is forest industry byproducts, such as bark, and the other half is wood chips from nearby forests. Natural gas is used at separate peak and reserve boiler plants only during the coldest periods of sub-zero temperatures and during planned or unplanned production breakes at the bio HOBs.
The company replaced natural gas with biofuels in 2015 when three new bio HOBs were completed in Imatra. The ”old” natural gas HOBs remained as peak and reserve ones. Investments were also made in the district heating network. The entire investment lowered the total price of district heating by more than 20%. – The fall in prices has brought us new district heating customers. The increase in the number of customers,
in turn, allows for the expansion of the district heating network and the addition of yet another set of new customer within the scope of the district heating network, says production manager Turo Valkama.
All of the bioboiler plants use the best available technology, which means low emissions and good efficiency.
At the largest plant, the 35 MW Virasoja HOB plant, almost all of the heat in the flue gas is also recovered. The use of the flue gas scrubber brings the efficiency of the plant almost up to 100%. – The new investments and good management of finances mean that the price of district heating can be kept low also in the future, Valkama says.
IMATRAN LÄMPÖ OY IS A LIMITED COMPANY, WHOS SHARES ARE FULLY OWNED BY THE CITY OF IMATRA. THE COMPANY PRODUCES AND SUPPLIES DISTRICT HEAT AS WELL AS DISTRIBUTES NATURAL GAS AND BIOGAS WITHIN THE IMATRA CITY REGION. THE DISTRICT HEAT IS GENERATED USING WOOD CHIPS, FOREST INDUSTRY BY-PRODUCTS AND NATURAL GAS AS PEAK AND RESERVE FUEL.
IMATRAN LÄMPÖ // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 27
>> www.imatranlampo.fi
THE IMATRA REGION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (KEHY) ACTS AS A LINK BETWEEN THE GREENREALITY NETWORK AND COMPANIES IN ITS OPERATING AREA.
Business development services and networks for innovative companies
KEHY coordinates the development of new industrial business operations and boosts the vitality of the Imatra region. KEHY is one of the partners implementing the Green Lappeenranta-Imatra growth agreement under the AIKO Programme for launching regional innovations and experiments. We offer business development services and networks for innovative companies in the industrial sector.
Our spearhead projects involve advancing industrial operations in renewable energy and the circular economy
through pilot and reference sites. We spar with companies and public-sector actors to enhance their ability to make smarter procurements.
We also focus on harnessing digitisation, automation and robotisation in products and services for the built environment, thereby fostering resource-wise industry and, for example, the introduction of smart transport solutions.
28 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // THE IMATRA REGION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
>> www.kehy.fi
THE IMATRA REGION DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (KEHY) IS A DEVELOPMENT FIRM WHOSE MISSION IS TO PROMOTE BUSINESS IN THE IMATRA REGION. ESTABLISHED IN 1982, KEHY WAS FINLAND’S FIRST DEVELOPMENT FIRM. THE COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORPORATE SERVICES IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF IMATRA, RUOKOLAHTI AND RAUTJÄRVI, AND ALSO FOR FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTING DEVELOPMENT POLICY PROJECTS.
KEHY acts as a link between the Greenreality network and companies in its operating area.
// 29
ENERGY FRIENDLINESS, EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMICAL SOUNDNESS ARE THEGUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE IMATRAN SEUDUN SÄHKÖ ELECTRICITY COMPANY.
>> www.issoy.fi
Energy Company delivers green energyin Finland and in Estonia
The basic task of Imatran Seudun Sähkö Oy is to ensure the availability of electricity to its customers. ISS Oy has acquired shares in electricity production companies with the aim of strengthening its own electricity production and competitiveness in the electricity market in the long term.
Membership of the Greenreality Networkprovides contacts with environmental and energy expertise in the region, where the Lappeenranta University of Technology is among the best in Finland. – Through expertise and innovations, we can promote sustainable development, says Managing Director Ari Saukkonen.
ISS Oy sells electricity in both Finland and Estonia. In Estonia, business operations are managed by the ISS Oy
subsidiary Imatra Elekter AS. Both companies are ISO 14 001 certified, steering the companies’ operations in a more environmentally-sound direction. ISS Oy guides its customers in the use of sustainable development practices by providing them with tools to improve, for example, their energy-efficiency. One such tool is the Wattis online service, which the customers can use to monitor their electricity consumption.
Our green electricity comes from hydroelectric and wind power. Customers can choose low-emission and ecological energy produced entirely from renewable energy sources. The growth in the demand for green electricity is directly proportional to the increase in consumers’ environmental awareness, says Mr Saukkonen.
FOUNDED IN 1928, IMATRAN SEUDUN SÄHKÖ IS AN ENERGY GROUP OWNED BY PRIVATEINDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES AND COMMUNITIES. ITS CORE BUSINESS IS THE PROCUREMENT,TRANSFER AND SALE OF ELECTRICITY. ISS OY’S DISTRIBUTION AREA COMPRISES IMATRAAND RUOKOLAHTI, ONE HALF OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF RAUTJÄRVI AND PART OFTAIPALSAARI.
30 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // IMATRAN SEUDUN SÄHKÖ
Caring for the environment ispart of our responsibility.
// 31
Jetr
o M
atila
inen
Businesses requires everbetter energy efficiencyfrom their premises.
32 //
THE HEATING OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIALPREMISES CAN BE MANAGED IN AN ENERGY-EFFICIENTAND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY MANNER.
>> www.itula.fi
Energy-efficient heating andcooling operate on a needs basis
A radiant ceiling panel developed by Itula Oy contains so much intelligence that it can operate as either a heater or cooler, depending on the situation. When heating, a radiator distributes heat from water led to the panel into the room. And when cooling, cold water flows through the panel. The ideal temperature of the premises remains constant, regardless of any changes in circumstances, so no one needs to freeze or overheat.
Jukka Itkonen, the Chairman of Itula’s Board of Directors, points out that energy costs make up an ever greater share of household expenses. – However, they can be cut by reducing consumption. Itula’s mode of operation is geared towards saving energy, he says.
In addition to energy savings, the ItuGraf panel system significantly improves the room conditions, thus benefiting human well-being and productivity. ItuGraf panels create a pleasant temperature into the room without draft, dust or noise.
Itula’s services include comprehensive solutions that include the modelling, design and manufacture of heating and cooling systems, delivery to the work site and, when necessary, system installation and testing. It addition to its own products, the company uses technical building products from international manufacturers, where the common denominator is energy efficiency.
ITULA OY IS A FAMILY BUSINESS FROM LAPPEENRANTA,ESTABLISHED IN 1990, WHICH SPECIALISES INENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HEATING AND COOLINGSYSTEMS THAT ENHANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
ITULA // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 33
Lapp
eenr
anna
n ka
upun
ki
The best working conditions arecreated when there is a balancebetween people and automation.
34 //
THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GUIDE THE OPERATIONSOF IVH KAMPUS, FROM TECHNICAL BUILDING SERVICES TO SANITATION.
>> www.ivhkampus.fi
Eco-efficient and healthy operatingenvironment next to Green Campus
IVH Kampus runs its real estate business according to the principles of sustainable development. The energy-effi-ciency, environmental impact and comfort of the buildings is fostered through up-to-date property technology and continuous monitoring.
Measures to improve the condition and convenience of the buildings are taken systematically. – Investing in property technology is always profitable. Optimising the use of electricity, heat and water creates savings in operating costs, thus generating savings for our customer companies, says Päivi Kangas, Director of IVH Kampus.
Property experts play a key role in monitoring. They know the buildings and the people using them, and they are on site, ensuring the best possible working conditions for the companies.
One of the key factors monitored is indoor quality, and CO2 content, air humidity and indoor air temperature are monitored carefully. Waste produced in offices is sorted on site and recycled.
The IVH Kampus is a natural part of the green campus of the Lappeenranta University of Technology.
INVESTORS HOUSE OYJ IS A LISTED COMPANY BASED IN FINLAND. IT OWNS AND MANAGESOFFICE, BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. THE COMPANY HAS PROPERTIES IN 11LOCATIONS IN FINLAND. IN SKINNARILA, LAPPEENRANTA, INVESTORS HOUSE OWNS A REALESTATE AND SERVICE COMPLEX IVH KAMPUS COMPRISING NINE BUILDINGS AND 24,000SQUARE METRES. ITS 100 CUSTOMER COMPANIES EMPLOY AROUND 1,000 PROFESSIONALS.
IVH KAMPUS // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 35
The system will generate more than halfof the building’s heat demand and itspayback time is less than eight years.
36 //
THE OPTISUN HEATING SYSTEM RECOVERS EXHAUST AIR WASTE HEAT AND UTILISESFREE SOLAR HEAT. DISTRICT HEATING IS ONLY REQUIRED IN THE WINTER.
>> www.kymisolar.com
Energy efficiency of old suburbanhousing blocks is easy to improve
The main elements of the OptiSun heating system are a rotating solar heat collector, hot water accumulator tank the same height as the block of flats, and an exhaust air heat pump. They are located in a pilaster structure erected at the end of the building, making it unnecessary to tamper with roof structures.
The system is designed for blocks of flats with exhaust ventilation systems. – The biggest energy-saving potential lies in old housing blocks. Their roofs are perfect for instalment of solar heat collectors, says the developer of the OptiSun system, Ville Terävä.
– The rotating collector has revolutionised the dimensioning of solar heat systems in northern conditions. The capacity of the tubular heat accumulator tank is now designed to meet consumption. This enables us to optimise the operations of the collector and the heat pump, says Mr. Terävä.
In order to minimise heat loss, it is possible to place the heat accumulator tank inside the central shaft of the stairwell, for example. The horizontally rotating and sun-following collector adjusts the temperature of the hot water accumulator tank by stopping the collector in the shade if necessary. – It is possible to finance the entire investment with the savings it will generate, says Mr. Terävä.
The OptiSun system operates on free solar and waste heat and generates ecological and carbon-dioxide-free heating energy. And it will not increase electricity consumption in the building.
Example: The heat energy consumption of a housing block built in 1970 is 431 MWh/a, of which the OptiSun system can replace 66%. The investment cost is EUR 130,000 with a payback time of 5.4 years.
KYMI-SOLAR LTD. IS A START-UP BUSINESS AIMING TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET. THE COMPANY WAS FOUNDED IN THE SPRING OF 2016 TO COMMERCIALISE THE PATENTED SOLAR AND EXHAUST AIR HEATING SYSTEM, OPTISUN.
KYMI-SOLAR // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 37
LAPPEENRANTA IS A PIONEER CITY IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENTS WITH PASSIONATE PROBLEM-SOLVING AS ITS FORTE. WE ARE THE CLIMATE CAPITAL OF FINLAND FULL OF HIGH ENERGY, OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE. IN LAPPEENRANTA WE DARE. AND DO.
Lappeenranta is turning green
Lappeenranta is striving to generate growth and new business operations, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, circular economy and water technology. – Through municipal decision-making, we can impact public procurement and investments, land-use, energy production and emissions, thus reducing the environmental impact of society and enabling businesses to show what they can do, says Development Director Markku Heinonen.
More than 95% of waste produced in Lappeenranta is already being recycled and the material utilisation of waste is high. More than 80% of district heating in Lappeenranta is produced in a biopower plant. The city is continuously improving the energy efficiency of its own buildings, taking account of the environmental impact of its own procurement and encouraging residents to do the same.
In 2016, Lappeenranta was the first city in Finland to start using 100% renewable electricity. The city encourages its residents to produce solar electricity by offering to purchase surplus electricity and installing solar energy equipment in buildings owned by the city. In Finland, the Lappeenranta region is the leading area in solar power installations. – The promotion of sustainable development and growth in all South Karelia is led and implemented through Greenreality Network which involves local businesses, municipalities and the LUT Group, says Development Manager Markku Mäki-Hokkonen.
Greenreality Network is coordinated by Wirma, the business services unit of the City of Lappeenranta. Wirma’s goal is to develop the concentration of energy and environmental businesses in South Karelia and attract experts and business operators to the area. >>
38 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // LAPPEENRANTA
New businesses and growth inthe fields of green energy, circulareconomy and water technology.
// 39
Jetr
o M
atila
inen
40 //
>> www.wirma.fi
>> www.lappeenranta.fi
>>
The pilot projects coordinated by Wirma are aimed at global business operations that would benefit everyone: environmental technology businesses gain references, the city is closer to achieving its green goals and the image of the city gets a lift.
Instead of traditional solutions, Lappeenranta is boldly looking for new kinds of technologies for the processing of wastewater and municipal waste, for example. Projects of national significance include Kukkuroinmäki recycling business activities, the improvement of the water quality in Lake Saimaa, and biogas and renewable methane production at the pioneering plants.
In environmental and energy matters, Wirma’s key partner is Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT). Companies that have emerged from LUT’s research projects already employ hundreds of people.
GREENREALITY NETWORK // LAPPEENRANTA
A significant share of future jobswill be related to internationalbusiness operations inenvironmental technology.
The consumption of heat andwater is currently monitoredindividually in each building.
42 //
LAPPEENRANNAN ASUNTOPALVELU’S GOAL IS TO FIND INNOVATION FROM THE GREENREALITY NETWORK SO AS TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
>> www.aspakoti.fi
Rented houses need waysto save energy
Lappeenrannan Asuntopalvelu Oy has thousands of apartments in various parts of Lappeenranta with over 8,000 tenants living in them.
The largest individual expense of residential buildings is energy, the consumption of which the company tries to affect through repair works and advising tenants on how to make the principles of sustainable development part of their everyday life.
The consumption of heat and water is currently monitored individually in each house. Great deviations are addressed by repairing defects, renovating, and making reforms affecting energy consumption in the apartments.
– New and reconstructed sites have apartment-specific water meters installed. The goal is to reduce water consumption, as the water rate will no longer be part of the rent but will instead go directly to be paid by the tenant, says CEO Martti Mäkelä.
The resident’s guide of Asuntopalvelu gives tips on saving energy and recycling. Recycling is already a part of everyday life in the apartment buildings.
A key principle of Asuntopalvelu is to offer reasonably priced rental apartments for those who need them. – We joined the Greenreality Network to receive ideas from experts to reduce energy consumption, Mäkelä says.
LAPPEENRANNAN ASUNTOPALVELU OY IS A COMPANY THAT BUILDS AND OWNSRENTAL APARTMENTS AND IS WHOLLY OWNED BY THE CITY OF LAPPEENRANTA.ASUNTOPALVELU MANAGES 5,000 APARTMENTS IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS,TERRACED HOUSES AND ONE-FAMILY HOUSES, WITH A TOTAL OF OVER 8,000RESIDENTS.
LAPPEENRANNAN ASUNTOPALVELU // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 43
RENEWABLE, DOMESTIC ENERGY SOURCES HAVE A SHARE IN THE ENERGY PRODUCTIONOF LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA THAT CLEARLY EXCEEDS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE.
>> www.lappeenrannanenergia.fi
A pioneer in environmentallyfriendly energy production
Approximately 80 per cent of the district heat needed in Lappeenranta is produced in Kaukaan Voima Oy’s biopower plant, of which Lappeenrannan Energia owns 46 per cent.
Lappeenrannan Energia buys carbon dioxide-free district heat from the power plant of FC Power Oy in Joutseno, and wind energy from Suomen Hyötytuuli Oy. In addition to basic products, electricity consumers are sold Forest Power and Wind Power products that have received an EKOenergy label from the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.
In addition, Lappeenrannan Energia buys excess energy from households, small producers of solar energy. – If necessary, we can act as a ”test platform” for businesses in the energy industry. For instance, a company called Tietokoura has developed its software in our operational environment, says Managing Director Reijo Kolehmainen.
One pilot is the Rauha hybrid energy unit, whose heat production is based on a combination of ground heat, solar energy and natural gas. This small, local unit is the first of its kind in Finland.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA IS PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND SALES OF DISTRICT HEATING, NATURAL GAS, ELECTRICITY AND WATER. LAPPEENRANNAN LÄMPÖVOIMA OY AND LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIAVERKOT OY ARE PART OF LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA GROUP. LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA OY ACT AS SHAREHOLDER IN KAUKAAN VOIMA OY, ELVERA OY, SUOMEN HYÖTYTUULI OY AND TUULISAIMAA OY.
44 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA
In the district heat ofLappeenrannan Energia,renewable fuels account fortwo-thirds and its carbondioxide emissions are morethan 50 per cent smaller thanthe average in Finland.
// 45
LAPPEENRANTA BUSINESS FACILITIES IS LOOKING FOR SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATIONS SUITABLE FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE GREENREALITY NETWORK.
>> www.yritystila.fi
Business Facilities reduces real estatecosts by means of sustainable development
In total, Lappeenranta Business Facilities Ltd manages more than seven hectares of various business premises. One of the main expenses for the properties is energy. – We monitor consumption and conditions with different variables. The variables must be such that the measurement results can be converted into euros, says Managing Director Timo Hämäläinen.
Building services engineering software and software for measuring conditions are used to monitor, for example, heating, lighting, indoor air temperature and quality as well as noise levels at the premises. In the process, factors impacting the carbon footprint, ecological footprint, material losses and the well-being of tenants at the properties are discovered.
Measures that reduce consumption and costs are used to reduce the environmental load of the buildings, as well. Through these measures, the company also aims to significantly improve the usability as well as the working and operating environments of the business premises. – The use of solar energy is also being considered, but it is still in the early stages, says Hämäläinen.
Business Facilities is involved in the Towards Resource Wisdom pilot project, through the City of Lappeenranta.
The goal of the national pilot is to develop an operating model through which cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste and the use of natural resources, while simultaneously strengthening the region’s economy and competitiveness.
LAPPEENRANTA BUSINESS FACILITIES LTD IS A COMPANY WHOLLY OWNED BY THE CITY OF LAPPEENRANTA. BUSINESS FACILITIES PROMOTES BUSINESS CONDITIONS BY BUILDING AND RENTING OUT INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES. IN TOTAL, THE COMPANY HAS APPROXIMATELY 77,500 M2 OF BUSINESS PREMISES AT 36 DIFFERENT ADDRESSES IN LAPPEENRANTA AND AROUND 100 CORPORATE TENANTS.
46 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // LAPPEENRANTA BUSINESS FACILITIES
Business Facilities reduces real estatecosts by means of sustainable development
Reducing the environmentalload of buildings is the sumof many factors.
// 47
Minimising energy consumption and emissionswill save the environment and money, and it will also improve competitiveness.
48 //
LCA CONSULTING LEADS COMPANIES TO MORE SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS.
>> www.lca-consulting.fi
Towards a moreresource-efficient future
Management of material end energy flows, assessment of environmental impacts and sustainable use of resource are in core of life cycle thinking. LCA Consulting is specialized on life cycle modelling and carries out studies in field of resource efficiency and circular economy.
Life cycle thinking is strongly linked with circular economy and resource efficiency in companies, waste management as well as in public sector. For example with carbon footprint study it is possible to find improvement targets towards more environmental friendly production. Significant savings in material and energy use and reductions in waste generation can be achieved with systematic management of material and energy flows. – Our customers appreciate numerical results and moreover they highly appreciate increased understanding
on the big picture. Sometimes customers are surprized how much a particular factor can affect the big picture. Customers can utilize results of studies for example in decision making. Life cycle modelling enables examination and comparison of different scenario options before the examined system or technology exists. At the same time, it is possible to achieve better understanding about the examined system, says CEO Antti Niskanen.
In addition to life cycle modelling LCA Consulting’s service portfolio also includes odour dispersion modelling, noise modelling as well as technology comparison for industry and waste management. LCA Consulting also helps with questions related to PEFC certifications.
LCA CONSULTING IS SPECIALIZED ON RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND CIRCULARECONOMY SERVICES. PERSONNEL OF LCA CONSULTING HAVE LIFE CYCLEMODELING EXPERIENCE SINCE YEAR 2001. LCA CONSULTING’S SERVICE PORTFOLIOINCLUDES FOR EXAMPLE ODOUR DISPERSION MODELLING, NOISE MODELLING,TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON AND PEFC CERTIFICATION COUNSELING SERVICE.
LCA CONSULTING // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 49
By its example, LOAS aimsto permanently transfer theprinciples of sustainablethinking to its young residents.
50 //
REPLACEMENT OF WATER FIXTURES IN DWELLINGS REDUCEDTHE WATER BILL BY € 100,000.
>> www.loas.fi
Student buildingssave water and energy
Lappeenranta Student Housing Foundation (LOAS) builds and maintains Finland’s greenest student housing community. The most significant measure improving energy efficiency – the replacement of water fixtures – reduced the annual water consumption in the student buildings from 142,000 to 130,000 cubic metres. At the same time, the water bill was reduced by €100,000. The decrease in water use also cuts down on the heating bill, and the effects are directly passed on to housing costs.
By its example, LOAS aims to permanently transfer the principles of sustainable thinking to its young residents. Energy consumption optimised to the best level possible
can be maintained through monitoring and servicing. Heat recovery through air conditioning systems is developed. Renovations improve the energy efficiency of the buildings. Everything that can be is recycled – and even partners are expected to employ energy-efficient solutions.
The newest LOAS student building has solar panels on its roof. They produce approximately 8,000 kWh of electricity per year for the building. – Once the panels become sufficiently economical, we will add them to old buildings, says Property Manager Paavo Leinonen.
LAPPEENRANTA STUDENT HOUSING FOUNDATION (LOAS)IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION THAT ADMINISTERSABOUT 80 STUDENT BUILDINGS IN LAPPEENRANTA. LOAS HAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000 RESIDENTS TODAY.
LOAS // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 51
LUT UNIVERSITY STUDIES, TEACHES, PRODUCES AND USES RENEWABLE ENERGY.
>> www.lut.fi
Green research on a green campus
Wind and solar power plants on the Green Campus of Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) produce electricity for research purposes and for charging electric vehicles and bicycles, for instance. Use of the electricity produced is monitored and it drives the smart electricity grid of the campus.
A considerable share of the University’s research is aimed at the energy and environmental sectors, with approximately 250 researchers and experts taking part in various related projects. Indirectly, the energy field employs employees of the Mechanical Engineering faculty, among others. – We focus on topical matters requiring actions, such as combating climate change, ensuring the constant availabi-lity of water and energy, and the comprehensive manage-ment of waste, says Professor Juha Varis.
LUT is the engine, research unit and coach of the Greenreality Network. LUT helps network members make their current operations more energy-efficient and leads them to innovate new solutions in sustainable development that entail significant business potential.
The cooperation between the University and enterprises has already generated successful spin-offs. They employ, directly and indirectly, hundreds of people in the province. The Green Campus acts as both a test platform for innovations and an ”exhibition space” that is open all hours.
LUT observes the principles of sustainable development in its own operation. The Green Campus has been recognised in the International Sustainable Campus Network- competitions as the world’s best university campus for sustainable development. WWF has awarded LUT the Green Office label.
THE STRATEGIC COMPETENCE AREAS OF LAPPEENRANTA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, ESTABLISHED IN 1969, INCLUDE GREEN ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY, THE CREATION OF SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS, AND ITS OPERATIONS AS A BUILDER OF INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS WITH RUSSIA. THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY INCLUDES 6,500 STUDENTS AND EXPERTS.
52 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // LUT UNIVERSITY
LUT University is Finland’s largest instructor and researcher in the energy industry, with experts in the entire energy chain, from energy sources to end use.
// 53
The wood chips used in theproduction of district heating arepurchased from local forest owners.
54 //
95 PERCENT OF THE DISTRICT HEATING USED IN LUUMÄKI IS PRODUCED FROM WOOD.
>> www.luumaki.fi
Renewable energygenerates vitality for Luumäki
The Luumäki biopower plant was launched in 2016. The old natural gas power plat became a reserve power plant. With that, the energy self-sufficiency of the municipality of Luumäki increased sharply, as 95 percent of district heating is produced from wood chips.
The energy wood used as raw material is purchased from local forest owners.
The production chain of the biopower plant comprises local forest owners and machine and transport entrepreneurs and the forest management association that is responsible for timber procurement. – Energy self-sufficiency has an important impact on employment in a small community, says Mayor Anne Ukkonen.
Together with local entrepreneurs, the municipality has discussed increasing the use of solar energy and the possi-bility of producing biogas.
Before the biopower plant was built, the impact of renewable energy on the environment was also investigated. – Having a local secretary of environmental protection is key. Clean nature and lakes are our strengths, Ms Ukkonen says.
For a small municipality, the use of renewable energy is also a matter of image. The modern energy solutions and Highway 6 that leads to Lappeenranta and is currently being improved may generate more interest in Luumäki and attract new residents.
The municipality is promoting renewable forms of energy and the know-how of local enterprises by arranging the annual ”plot market”, for example.
LUUMÄKI HAS AROUND 5,000 INHABITANTS. IN THE SUMMER, THE NUMBER IS TRIPLED,THANKS TO SUMMER RESIDENTS. THE RATE OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN JOBS IS MORE THAN80%. AS SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE INHABITANTS EARN THEIR LIVING FROM FORESTRY.
LUUMÄKI // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 55
The degree of electrical self- sufficiency of Metsä Fibre’sJoutseno mill is 175 %.
56 //
THE ELECTRICAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF THE WORLD’S LARGESTSINGLE-LINE SOFTWOOD PULP MILL IS 175 PER CENT. FOSSIL FUELSARE NOT USED AT ALL DURING NORMAL OPERATION.
>> www.metsafibre.com
Metsä Fibre producesbioproducts with biofuels
Each year, 3.5 million cubic metres of softwood are processed into pulp, energy and biochemicals at Metsä Fibre’s Joutseno mill. Metsä Fibre is part of Metsä Group. The integrated unit’s operations are based on high material and energy efficiency.
To fuel the lime kiln, biogas is produced from the bark of softwood that is used as raw material for the pulp. The electricity and thermal energy generated by the recovery boiler are utilised in the mill’s production, while the surplus is sold. The excess heat from the process is efficiently recovered and used to heat such things as the chip silo.
In addition to the tall oil and turpentine generated in the pulp cooking process, there is also enough green electricity to be sold; the mill produces 75% more electricity than it consumes.
– This amount corresponds to the amount of electricity needed by private households and agriculture in the Lappeenranta region, says Mill Manager Jaakko Anttila.
No fossil fuels are used in the production during normal operation. Compared to 2010, the CO2 emissions from the integrated unit have decreased by 45 %.
The mill was completely modernised at the turn of the 21st century. The investment which has reduced the mill’s carbon footprint the most is the bark gasification plant, completed in 2012. – We produce bioproducts with biofuels, Anttila concludes.
METSÄ FIBRE OPERATES IN JOUTSENO, LAPPEENRANTA AND PRODUCES PULPFROM CERTIFIED SOFTWOOD. THE CAPACITY OF THE PULP MILL IS 690,000 T/A.95 PER CENT OF THE INTEGRATED UNIT’S PRODUCTION IS EXPORTED.THE INTEGRATED UNIT EMPLOYS 138 PEOPLE.
METSÄ FIBRE // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 57
OUTOTEC DEVELOPS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES FOR THE UTILISATION OFEARTH’S NATURAL RESOURCES. SUSTAINABILITY IS AT THE CORE OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS.
>> www.outotec.com
Global pioneer insustainable development
As the global leader in minerals and metals processing technology, Outotec has developed breakthrough technologies over the decades. The company’s expertise, originally developed for the needs of the metals and mining industry, has expanded to water treatment, the use of alternative energy sources and the chemical industry.
Outotec’s products and services help customers respond to increasingly strict demands regarding environmental efficiency, occupational health and safety, and society.
Using solutions developed for industrial process and waste water treatment, industrial circulation and discharge water is purified to comply with process requirements or environmental regulations. At the same time, water recycling is improved and water and energy consumption and emissions are reduced.
– The goal of our research and development is to develop resource-efficient technologies and various services, including long-term operation and maintenance services throughout the life cycle of industrial plants and processes, that reduce the load on the environment and the Earth in general, says Director Janne Kauppi from Outotec’s Lappeenranta unit.
Outotec is also one of South Karelia’s leading companies. The company’s Lappeenranta unit houses the filter-related dewatering business and service business. A new research and technology centre will be opened in Lappeenranta in 2015. – We want to be part of the regional network promoting sustainable development. We can act as a mentor for smaller companies and may even consider joint projects, says Kauppi.
OUTOTEC IS A GLOBAL LEADER IN PROVIDING MINERALS AND METALS PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY AND HAS ALSO DEVELOPED MANY BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES OVER THE DECADES FOR INDUSTRIAL WATER TREATMENT, THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY. OUTOTEC EMPLOYS ALMOST 5,000 EXPERTS IN 30 COUNTRIES.
58 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // OUTOTEC
Outotec’s handprint is theopposite of carbon footprint.
// 59
The company’s goal is to save6% energy on an annual level ofconsumption by 2025.
60 //
PARIKKALAN VALO OY TAKES THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT INTO ACCOUNTIN ALL OF ITS ACTIVITIES, AND IT AIMS TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTALLOAD THROUGH ITS ACTIONS.
>> www.parikkalanvalo.fi
Regional energy company takesthe environmental impact into account
Parikkalan Valo Oy sells electricity to different parts of Finland. The electricity products are called Piika.
In addition to the basic electricity products, customers can choose the ViherPiika electricity product, which is generated with 100 % renewable energy.
In addition to electricity, Parikkalan Valo Oy offers tools and services related to the monitoring of energy efficiency.
The company encourages customers to generate their own renewable energy by purchasing customers’ surplus electricity.
Among other responsible energy users, Parikkalan Valo Oy is part of the Energy Efficiency Agreement.
Energy Efficiency Agreements are an important part of the Finnish energy and climate strategy, and they are the primary way of promoting the efficient use of energy in Finland. – Using energy efficiently and responsibly reduces the carbon dioxide emissions that cause climate change. Our goal is to reach 6% of energy savings on an annual level of consumption by 2025, says Managing Director Janne Rouvinen.
Parikkalan Valo Oy is a partner in several wind farms and wind farm projects. In addition to the wind farm projects, Parikkalan Valo Oy also participates in other carbon dioxidefree methods of electricity production.
PARIKKALAN VALO OY WAS FOUNDED IN 1936.IT IS A CUSTOMER-OWNED LOCAL ENERGY COMPANY.
PARIKKALAN VALO // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 61
POSITIIVISTA ENERGIAA
PROHEAT OFFERS ENERGY-EFFICIENT GEOTHERMAL HEATING SYSTEMS FOR THE HEATING AND COOLING OF LARGE BUILDINGS. AT ITS BEST, A GEOENERGY SYSTEM OPTIMISED FOR THE BUILDING CAN CREATE UP TO 14% RETURN ON INVESTMENT.
>> www.proheat.fi
A leap towards energy self-sufficiency with geothermal heat
The geothermal heat that is pumped from a geothermal well is heat energy that has been produced by the sun and accumulated deep in the ground. The same geoenergy system can provide not only heating but also cooling – and practically for free. The more you cool in summer, the more you save in winter. – At current energy prices, the repayment period for geother- mal heat is short, says Timo Lappalainen, owner of Proheat.
In the future, the energy portion of a building’s operating costs will only increase. The use of energy does not allow endless savings. – The best way to impact energy costs is to increase self- sufficiency through means such as adopting geothermal heat, which also increases property value, says Lappalainen.
Geothermal heat as a solution protects the environment, and its carbon dioxide emissions are considerably lower than those of fossil fuels. Geothermal heat can be fully connected to hybrid systems, such as heat recovery and solar energy. – Simply having a plan to switch to geothermal energy won’t save you anything – so now is the time to put your thoughts into action!
Our customers can focus on their core competences, while we provide them with an easy and effortless geothermal energy package. Our comprehensive services include investment calculations, planning and design, implementation and maintenance.
PROHEAT OY IS A COMPANY FROM LAPPEENRANTA THAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2005 AND WHOSE SPECIALITY IS ENERGY-EFFICIENT HPAC SYSTEMS. PROHEAT’S COMPRE-HENSIVE SERVICES INCLUDE CONDITION EVALUATION, DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF HPAC SYSTEMS. THE SOLUTIONS ARE IMPLEMENTED FOR CORPORATE AND PRIVATE CUSTOMERS IN BOTH NEW AND RECONSTRUCTED PROPERTIES.
62 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // PROHEAT
// 63
Cooling energy is taken fromenergy wells while they are beingrecharged for winter heating.
In operation for 30 years, services of the renewable energy, measurement services and energy efficiency expert company are employed by almost 1 million energy users.
64 //
CONSIDERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IS CENTRAL TO ALL OF REJLERS FINLAND’S ACTIVITIES.
>> www.rejlers.fi
Towards a sustainable future – Nordic expert partner knows the way
Rejlers Finland Oy supports its customers with environ- mental, energy efficiency and energy production challenges. The company provides measurement services and analyses, energy efficiency consultancy services, preliminary surveys and project plans. Rejlers is an expert in emissions trading and energy procurement consulting. The company’s services are employed by almost a million energy users.
Rejlers’ energy efficiency services help customers to reduce real estate energy consumption and costs. The company provides the whole range of energy management services from mapping to consumption
monitorin, analytics and development services. Systematic development of energy efficiency provides a sustainable basis for the future.
Rejlers also has extensive experience of renewable energy services. In addition to wind power initiatives, Rejlers is experienced expert service provider for sun energy parks and small-scale production. The company’s services cover initiatives from start to finish – from profitability assessments and technical specifications to planning, development and maintenance. Rejlers also provides measurement and reporting services.
REJLERS HAS OPERATED IN FINLAND SINCE 1980. THE COMPANY NOW HAS OFFICES IN 19 LOCATIONS AND EMPLOYS MORE THAN 600 PEOPLE. IN 2017, THE TURNOVER OF THE GROUP’S FINNISH COMPANIES WAS APPROXIMATELY EUR 48.6 MILLION. REJLERS FINLAND OY IS PART OF THE NORDIC REJLERS AB COMPANY, WHICH HAS 2,100 EMPLOYEES. THE COMPANY’S SHARES ARE LISTED ON NASDAQ OMX STOCKHOLM, NORDIC LIST.
REJLERS // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 65
Only genuine needs cangenerate real innovations.
66 //
THE SAIMAA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES IS DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS TOPROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR EVERYDAY AND BUSINESS USE.
>> www.saimia.fi
Human-sized applications
New methods for the management of energy production and consumption are being developed in the NECO collaboration project between the university and companies. The project, managed by the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences (Saimaa UAS), includes a company specialising in sustainable development, an information system supplier for the energy and environmental sector, and a company conducting customer analyses. The project encourages companies to combine their expertise into service products and to promote their access to wider markets.
The goal of Saimaa UAS’s research, development and innovation is to create new solutions for everyday life and business. The starting point for the projects is the needs of the customers and the users. – We believe that only genuine needs can generate real innovations, says Research Manager Henri Karppinen.
– Our approach is always human-centred, he notes.
Applications based on new technology are developed through collaboration between different fields of education to increase well-being in an energy-efficient and financially profitable way. Cooperation with local businesses also includes the goal of creating new jobs.
Research, development and innovation activities at Saimaa UAS focus on construction, mechanical engineering, and social and health care services. Cross- cutting themes include digitalisation, commercialisation of innovations and the expertise of the creative sectors.
The school’s simulation premises for social and health care services and its technology laboratories are among the best in Finland. The goal of Saimaa UAS is to open up new possibilities for next-generation business and to act as a partner in the creation of health care services for the future.
THE SAIMAA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES PROVIDES EDUCATION INFIVE FIELDS: TECHNOLOGY, HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES, BUSINESS,HOSPITALITY AND FINE ARTS. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IS ALSO CONDUCTED IN ALL FIELDS OF EDUCATION. A PARTICULAR STRENGTH OF THE SCHOOL IS EXPERTISE RELATED TO RUSSIA. THE SAIMAA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCESPROVIDES EDUCATION IN THE CITIES OF LAPPEENRANTA AND IMATRA. THE SCHOOL HAS OVER 3,000 STUDENTS AND 300 STAFF.
SAIMAAN UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 67
FINNISH COMPANY SOLID ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES OY (SETCLEANTECH) FOCUSES ON ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. COMPANIES’ EXPERTS HAVE OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ECO-SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY MARKETS.
>> www.setcleantech.com
Comprehensive waste management projects from waste sorting to heat and power production
One of the main activities of the company is implementation of comprehensive waste management projects including advanced sorting and processing of municipal solid waste, industrial and forestry wastes as well as production of SRF, heat and power.
Conversion of waste to power is high-profitable process and can solve whole range of problems connected to waste recycling in big cities and improve energy security of sparsely populated regions. Besides, advanced waste
sorting provides for recovery of valuable recyclables such as plastics, metals, paper, glass, cardboard etc.
Due to advanced sorting and processing of wastes to power/heat at most 10 % of total amount of municipal solid waste will remain for landfill disposal. This will improve environmental situation drastically, decrease harmful emissions level and save natural energy resources (gas and oil) for future generations.
FINNISH COMPANY SOLID ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES OY (SETCLEANTECH) FOCUSES ON ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. COMPANIES’ EXPERTS HAVE OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN ECO-SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY MARKETS.
68 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // SETCleanTech
Conversion of waste to power is high-profitable and environmentally friendly process.
// 69
A new biopower plant isbeing developed in theSaimaanharju-Konstu area.
70 //
TAIPALSAARI MUNICIPALITY IS OPEN TO RENEWABLE ENERGY.
>> www.taipalsaari.fi
Bioenergy for heat production,solar electricity for schools
Using renewable energy is considered important in Taipalsaari. In accordance with the municipal survey on renewable energy, the municipality’s aim is to implement solutions that will reduce its greenhouse emissions every year.
The production potential of solar electricity in public buildings has also been investigated. Based on the investigations, a plan to utilise solar electricity has been prepared. – The first large site where solar electricity will be utilised is Saimaanharju school, says Technical Director Samuli Kakko.
At the moment, a new biopower plant is being developed in the Saimaanharju-Konstu area. The plant will use renewable energy sources.
Taipalsaari has large groundwater reservoirs and a protection plan is being prepared for their development,
maintenance and monitoring. The protection plan will be completed in the summer of 2017.
In its area, the municipality has six grade I groundwater basins, 17 grade II groundwater basins and several grade III groundwater basins. – Clean water and effective water management is vital, says Mr Kakko.
The project at Kivisalmi pumping station has made a significant impact on water quality. The pumping station built on the border of Taipalsaari and Lappeenranta has improved the water circulation and clean-up of Pien-Saimaa. A second pumping station is being planned for Kopinsalmi in order to further improve water circulation in western Pien-Saimaa.
Taipalsaari municipality is aiming to reduce the environmental impact of traffic by developing new traffic solutions with neighbouring municipalities.
TAIPALSAARI IN AN ARCHIPELAGO MUNICIPALITY WITH AROUND 4,800 INHABITANTS, SITUATED NEXTTO LAPPEENRANTA. SAIMAA WATERWAYS MAKE UP ONE HALF OF THE AREA OF THIS MUNICIPALITY.IN THE SUMMER, THE NUMBER OF INHABITANTS IS TRIPLED, THANKS TO SUMMER RESIDENTS.
TAIPALSAARI // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 71
The Switch did not inventpermanent magnettechnology, but it made itavailable to the marketplace.
72 //
>> www.theswitch.com
YASKAWA ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY / THE SWITCH DESIGNS AND MANUFACTURES PRODUCTS IN LAPPEENRANTA FOR ALL OF THE COMPANY’S MAIN BUSINESS SECTORS. THE COMPANY’S HEAD- QUARTERS ARE LOCATED IN HELSINKI, AND ITS FINNISH PRODUCTION FACILITIES ARE IN LAPPEENRANTA AND VAASA. APPROXIMATELY 98 % OF THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION IS EXPORTED.
THE SWITCH // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 73
THE SWITCH’S SYSTEMS GENERATE ELECTRICITY FROM WIND ENERGY AND REDUCE COSTS IN SHIPPING AND INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS.
Electricity from nature
The wind, sun and ocean waves are energy sources whose capacity is constantly variating. With the aid of new technology, such variable-capacity energy can be made useful and the production of renewable energy profitable.
The Switch, which belongs to the Yaskawa Group, is a pioneer in technology for electrical drive trains and power generation and offers electric drive solutions for the future. Its installation base consists of megawatt-scale permanent magnet generator and power converter packages that have been supplied to users all across the globe, and delivered capacity is over 13 gigawatts. The company’s main business sectors are wind power, marine, and specialised industrial solutions.
– Our solutions are mostly used in wind farms, but we’re making an increasing number of deliveries for marine and industrial applications, says Matti Nikkinen, General Manger, Electrical Machines, The Switch.
The Switch’s innovative solutions for drive train and power generation systems increase the profitability and reduce the costs of using electricity.
The Japanese Yaskawa group acquired The Switch in 2014 and provides the company with continual opportunities for product development and innovation. Yaskawa Electric Corporation is one of the world’s leading suppliers of technology for motion control, robotics and system design.
INFORMATION PRODUCED BY TIETOKOURA’S SYSTEMS ENCOURAGEBUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS TO ALTER THEIR ENERGY BEHAVIOUR.
>> www.tietokoura.com
Monitoring of consumption isheading in a greener direction
Tietokoura is Finland’s leading provider of data systems for electricity sales and communications services for energy and water companies. Tietokoura’s data system services are used by umbrella organisations in the energy industry, more than 100 energy and water companies and, indirectly, by hundreds of thousands of their customers, among others.
The systems involve a strong advisory and information aspect that reaches the end users. Using web-based online and reporting service products, customers can monitor their energy consumption with an accuracy of
one hour. Monitoring consumption data encourages both enterprises and consumers to change their consumption habits to a more energy-efficient direction. – Increasing energy efficiency is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. Our customers even use information provided by our systems to help them decide which equipment to purchase, says Managing Director Jorma Laukkanen.
In its own work environment, Tietokoura is committed to green values and is striving for a completely paperless office.
TIETOKOURA OY IS A DYNAMIC IT SOFTWARE AND PROJECT COMPANYTHAT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1996. ITS MAIN CUSTOMERS INCLUDECOMPANIES IN THE ENERGY AND WATER MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY AS WELLAS CLIENTS THAT NEED WEB-BASED SOLUTIONS IN THEIR OPERATION.
74 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // TIETOKOURA
Increasing energy efficiencyis the best way to reduceyour carbon footprint.
// 75
TUULIMUUKKO PRODUCES ELECTRICITY FROM A RAW MATERIALTHAT IS FREE AND WILL NEVER RUN OUT.
>> www.tuulimuukko.fi
An inexhaustible energy sourceas a raw material
TuuliMuukko, which began operations in the summer of 2012, is the first wind park in South Karelia. It produces electricity using seven wind turbines with a total capacity of 21 MW.
The turbine blades, erected on either side of Highway 6 on a heath with favourable wind conditions, rotate at an elevation of 150 metres. Passers-by can see for themsel-ves how the rotor blades rotate and produce renewable energy without making a sound.
– The wind farm has become a popular site for visits. Presenting the operation of the wind farm in its authentic environment is marketing of green energy at its best, says Managing Director Juha Tuominen.
The wind farm achieved its production goal in its first full year of operation. Electricity produced by the seven wind power plants can heat 3,000 single-family homes, for instance.
Electricity produced with this wind power is sold by Lappeenrannan Energia.
TUULIMUUKKO IS A JOINT VENTURE OWNED BY LÄHITAPIOLA INSURANCE’S WIND ENERGY FUNDS AND TUULISAIMAA. THE WIND FARM WAS BUILT BY TUULISAIMAA, WHICH HAS SEVERAL WIND FARM PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN VARIOUS PARTS OF FINLAND. TUULISAIMAA SPECIALISES IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF WIND POWER PROJECTS.
76 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // TUULIMUUKKO
TuuliMuukko’s annualproduction is sufficient for3,000 electrically heatedsingle-family homes.
// 77
Kaukas boasts the world’s firstbiorefinery for producing renewablediesel from tall oil.
78 //
AT THE KAUKAS INTEGRATED MILL, ONE PLANT’S WASTE IS ANOTHER’SRAW MATERIAL.
>> www.upm.com
UPM Kaukas takes energy andmaterial efficiency to the max
The UPM Kaukas mill, the world’s most versatile integrated forest industry plant, processes over 5 million cubic metres of wood per year into pulp, paper, sawn timber goods, biofuels and energy.
Since January 2015, the tall oil residue from pulp cooking has been used to produce renewable diesel. UPM’s biorefinery represents the cutting edge in material efficiency and is the first of its kind in the world.
The leftover bark from logs processed into sawn timber goods, paper and pulp is incinerated in UPM’s bio power plant. The sludge generated by the mill’s biological wastewater treatment plant also ends up in the power plant’s boiler.
Kaukaan Voima Ltd’s bio power plant generates electricity and steam for the entire mill site, as well as heat and electricity for customers of the plant’s other shareholder, Lappeenrannan Energia Ltd.
The electricity and steam generated by the recovery boiler are used at the paper mill and by the pulp mill’s drying lines. – Our production has been precisely integrated. The site boasts an overall recycling rate of 90 per cent, and we produce over 90 per cent of our required heat energy from bio fuels, says the mill’s General Manager, Teuvo Solismaa.
UPM Kaukas uses all of the green energy generated on the mill site for its own needs.
UPM KAUKAS PRODUCES SAWN TIMBER GOODS, PULP, PAPER, ENERGY, RENEWABLE DIESEL AND RENEWABLE NAPHTHA IN LAPPEENRANTA. THE SITE’S BIO POWER PLANT GENERATES ELECTRICITY AND STEAM FOR THE MILL, AND HEAT AND ELECTRICITY FOR LAPPEENRANNAN ENERGIA. ABOUT 1,100 PEOPLE WORK AT THE INTEGRATED MILL.
UPM KAUKAS // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 79
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS THAT HAVE PROVEN THEIR WORTH IN INDUSTRY ARE SOON TO BECOME A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE.
>> www.viitacon.fi
ViitaCon is a master of energy and circular economy solutions for sustainable development
– There’s plenty of scope for implementing solutions that will improve living standards, says ViitaCon’s founder Osmo Viitasaari.
New measuring techniques and wireless data transfer solutions offer opportunities for monitoring living conditions. It’s worth monitoring air quality and energy and water consumption, as perfectly calibrated indoor conditions benefit both residents and building stock. – In residential buildings, there are plenty of opportunities to produce renewable energy, improve indoor air quality, and save energy, says Viitasaari.
Through planning and cooperation, those with access to the district heating system will be able to agree on the benefits and requirements of both the residential
environment and the local energy company. Key solutions include solar electricity production, indoor air quality management, heat recovery, and heating network settings for residential buildings, as well as open electricity and district heating network solutions for small producers.
ViitaCon’s expertise lies in design and implementation solutions in the aforementioned fields.
ViitaCon has developed design and implementation solutions to utilise municipal and industrial waste flows, based on a partnership model. In South Karelia, for example, lukewarm wastewater and process water could be used in greenhouse cultivation. Improved material efficiency and better use of the circular economy will also improve self-sufficiency in food production.
VIITACON IS A CONSULTING FIRM THAT SPECIALISES IN IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS, REGIONAL VITALITY AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY. THE COMPANY’S CORE COMPETENCES ARE ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY SOLUTIONS. ITS CUSTOMERS ARE HOUSING COMPANIES, CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES, AND THE PROCESS INDUSTRY.
80 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // VIITACON
Energy and indoor air solutions for residential buildings offer limitless opportunities for new business.
// 81
82 //
When making investments,one should think of the returnon investment and not thepayback time.
CORRECTLY CHOSEN FACILITY SERVICES IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF BUILDINGS.
>> www.wsp.com
WSP Proko: Plenty to improve in the energy efficiency of buildings
Only a small percentage of Finland’s buildings undergo maintenance work annually. Improvement can be accomplished, however, with solutions that affect the maintenance of old buildings. One of the most important factors that affects the environmental impact of buildings is energy efficiency, which can be improved by optimizing existing systems. – Energy investments have an impact throughout the lifecycle of a building. When making investments, one should think of the return on investment and not the payback time, says Tomi Käiväräinen, area manager for WSP Proko Oy in Lappeenranta.
Part of the WSP Group, WSP Proko’s service chain covers the entire life cycle of a building. The facility services include design, development, worksite supervision and building maintenance services.
– Even large organisations have plenty to learn about the energy management of buildings, Käiväräinen explains He hopes that businesses and municipalities will also start making investments that produce energy. The City of Lappeenranta has already started installing solar panels on the roofs of new buildings.
WSP Proko represents the entire WSP Group in the Greenreality Network. – With the network, we seek open-minded partners with whom we can test new innovations, Käiväräinen says. To assess the profit impact, WSP Proko plans to start a longterm pilot project, focussing on some alternative form of energy.
WSP PROKO OY HAS OFFICES IN 12 LOCALITIES. THE CUSTOMERS OF PROKO, WHICH IS PART OF THE WSP GROUP, ARE INDUSTRIAL AND CONSTRUCTION BUSINESSES AND JOINT-STOCK PROPERTY COMPANIES.
WSP PROKO // GREENREALITY NETWORK // 83
WIMAO DESIGNS AND MANUFACTURES ECOLOGICAL COMPOSITEPRODUCTS USING RECYCLED MATERIALS.
>> www.wimao.fi
Ecological composite materialswill save the environmentand production costs
Production at the pilot factory of Wimao Oy at Kukkuroinmäki in Joutseno will start in the summer of 2017. For the last two years, the Lappeenranta-based start- up company has been developing composite materials and products from recycled materials for a range of purposes and promoted its expertise across industries. – Composite products can be used in construction, vehicles and lighting industries as well as in packaging and logistics, says Managing Director Ville Immonen.
Composite materials are an ecological alternative to plastic, wood and even metal. Composite materials are made of wood, plastics and mineral and textile fibres, among others. The raw materials are someone else’s waste that would otherwise be burnt or dumped.
Product development is carried out in cooperation with customer companies. – A product made of a composite material is cheaper than a counterpart made with virgin materials. It will also reduce its weight’s worth of carbon dioxide emissions, says Mr Immonen.
The technology used by Wimao is protected by interna-tional patents. Mr Immonen says that he has never come across a company with the same concept.
The goal of this Lappeenranta-based company is to become international quickly and be a global pioneer in its field.
WIMAO OY DESIGNS AND MANUFACTURES COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS FOR ITS CUSTOMERS USING RECYCLED MATERIALS. ESTABLISHED IN 2015, WIMAO IS BASED IN LAPPEENRANTA.
84 // GREENREALITY NETWORK // WIMAO
A product made of compositematerials reduces its weight’sworth of carbon dioxideemissions.
// 85
DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE NETWORKOR KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES?
www.greenreality.fi/en/network
Wirma Business ServicesCity of Lappeenranta
tel. +358 5 616 [email protected]
