Building a sustainable future – green energy solutions as part of property development

Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global energy use; they account for nearly half of global energy demand. Therefore, civil engineering plays a significant role in reducing emissions. In Kielo’s premises in Kaarina, Tunturi Center, the first major energy project was carried out in 2020. At the time, the ventilation units of the premises were updated and modified to meet modern standards. The installation of heat pumps in the building that was once used to produce Tunturi bicycles greatly reduced the amount of oil needed. 

“Previously, oil consumption was 180,000 liters per year, but with the help of heat pumps, consumption was reduced to about 40,000 liters,” says technical property manager Petri Salonen. 

At Tunturi Center, an even more significant shift occurred last year when oil use was totally phased out in favor of green district heating. “This change was made in line with green ecological values, and the system produces heat without fossil fuels,” Salonen explains. 

More and more changes are now being made at the tenants’ request 

According to Salonen, there is a general desire to reduce the use of fossil fuels in properties, and this is often also the wish of tenants. Companies that value sustainable development also expect low emission production from their premises. 

“Fossil fuels are undesirable, and district heating can be produced without them,” Salonen continues. 

Green district heating is clearly a more environmentally friendly option than oil heating, which is based on burning fossil fuels and thus produces significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Green district heating is produced using renewable energy sources such as bioenergy, waste heat, or heat pumps. As an almost carbon-neutral option, green district heating causes fewer lifecycle emissions than oil heating. In Kielo’s premises in Raisio, Purocenter, oil heating was also replaced with district heating in 2024. 

Low emissions at the core of projects 

“In property development, renewable energy sources are increasingly favored. Green values guide property improvement projects,” Salonen explains. 

The projects completed at Tunturi Center and Purocenter are part of Kielo’s broader sustainability strategy, where energy efficiency and emission reduction go hand in hand with property development. In addition to reducing carbon footprint, the objective is to create a healthier and more comfortable working environment for tenants. According to Salonen, mapping properties’ development requirements is a continuous process. Kielo’s properties on Purokatu and Tuotekatu in Raisio will be the site of future developments.
 

Additional information:

Petri Salonen 
Propery Manager
[email protected] 
040 849 7099