SJSC ‘State Real Estate’ (SRE) made significant savings through improvements in energy performance in the properties it manages in 2023. According to SRE board member Andris Vārna, a total of almost 590,000 euros was saved in consumed energy at SRE-managed sites.
‘We pursue sustainability principles in most of SRE’s processes, and every year, we look for real estate management solutions that can reduce our negative impact on the environment and help save resources. Last year, better energy performance at our sites not only reduced energy consumption, but also provided more comfortable environments. Improving energy efficiency is a continuous process and a building is never fully complete in this respect. Regular monitoring and implementation of appropriate measures make it possible for SRE reduce the energy costs of its clients, in addition to mitigating negative environmental impact’, Vārna pointed out.
A total of eight SRE sites actively monitored by the Energy Management Sector of the SRE Maintenance Division saw a 23% saving in the consumption of thermal energy and a 17% saving in electricity, which compared to the average consumption in the previous 5 years, is an equivalent of almost 590,000 euros.
The savings were achieved through various measures, like adjusting the heating curve of the heat units according to the season, installing work time-based heating schedules that significantly reduce heat consumption, and optimising ventilation and cooling settings in buildings with control and automation systems (CAS). As of the end of 2023, SAC had been installed in a total of 15 buildings managed by SRE, and 18 more buildings are planned to be equipped with these systems in 2024.
The biggest savings were observed at the Talejas Street 1 building, which underwent active energy monitoring to achieve an appropriate indoor climate. A map of optimal system modes was developed for the building, functioning as a manual for the energy-efficient use of the building. The minimum system operating mode was set for the rooms not used during the given period, making it possible to supply the building without unnecessary expenses.
Another example is the indoor monitoring sensors installed at the Aspazijas Boulevard 7 building, which provide detailed information about the indoor temperature, humidity, and CO2. These data made it possible to determine the optimum settings for the building and create schedules for the heating and ventilation systems, reducing energy consumption and providing a pleasant indoor climate.
At Kalnciema Street 14, a CAS system was introduced for the heating unit and ventilation equipment, providing precise and automated control of the heating, ventilation, and hot water systems. This resulted in an efficient management of energy consumption that matched the needs of the building and generated energy savings.
At Meistaru Street 10, the heating unit was optimised, and active energy consumption monitoring and indoor climate assessments were done using sensors. The data collected made it possible for us to analyse the building’s energy consumption and indoor climate, and to set heating schedules that reduce energy consumption.
In 2023, working towards sustainability in energy management, SRE introduced new remote control systems for heating units in 23 sites managed by the company. At the beginning of this year, the number of sites with these systems in place was already 94. SRE also intends to continue implementing such systems in other buildings in 2024, to deliver even more efficiency in the energy management of buildings and to optimise energy consumption.
About energy monitoring and CAS
The purpose of energy monitoring is to ensure the energy efficiency of a building by making improvements in it over the building’s service life. As part of energy monitoring, one collects and analyses data on current and historical energy consumption, indoor climate, and building use. This information enables the identification of opportunities for saving energy that can be used through technologies for controlling utility systems in the building: these include control and automation systems. Control and automation systems (CAS) are technologically advanced tools make it possible to remotely monitor and control the utility systems of a building, including its heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. A CAS system offers various benefits that help optimise and reduce energy consumption.
About SRE
SRE provides professional real estate management and administration for 427 building and structure properties, comprising 1,075 buildings with a total area of 0.99 million square metres, as well as land beneath structures with a total area of 575 hectares, and 3,336 land properties with a total area of 949 hectares. SRE is one of 17 Latvian companies that in 2023 received the highest platinum award as part of the Sustainability Index of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, confirming the good governance and sustainability of its operations. The company was founded in 1996 and the Ministry of Finance is its sole shareholder.
