Did you know buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of the world's energy consumption? This shows there's huge room for improvement. In 2023, we partnered with Ericsson, which delivers telecommunications equipment and high-speed connectivity to, among other things, our sensors, to gather some real-life data on this.
The goal was to show how technology makes buildings smarter, greener, and more sustainable.
When Proptech and technology meets sustainability
At its core, this project combines Ericsson's expertise and ours. Ericsson provides the 5G-powered infrastructure that makes reliable data transmission possible, while Edge, our software for energy management, uses AI to fine-tune how energy is used in buildings.
How it all works together
Why does this matter? Traditional ways to improve energy efficiency, like adding insulation or triple-pane windows, are often expensive and time-consuming.
"By using tools like Kiona's AI-driven energy management system, property owners like Victoriahem and JVA can address inefficiencies more effectively." Jasmin Masic, Sustainability Manager at Ericsson, who worked closely with us on this project, says.
Compared to the more traditional ways of reducing energy consumption in buildings, technology offers a quick, easy, and cost-effective way of reducing emissions, which is needed to be done as we already breach the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris agreement.
"This is the exact type of technology and case study that Ericsson wants to showcase, to demonstrate how industries and society can work together to cut carbon emissions."
Success for Victoriahem's environmental goals – now proven in an independent report
From idea to impact
Every idea starts somewhere, and while Ericsson wanted to research how connectivity can drive sustainable change – we saw this as the perfect opportunity to show what our energy management technology can achieve in the real world.
In this case, the AI control function in Edge incorporates a mix of data and smart algorithms that continuously improve the energy optimization of individual buildings, with a primary focus on the control of heating systems.
Case Study:
On average, the project resulted in 7% net energy saved and millions of kilowatt-hours.
“What surprised us is the ability for scaling. When we did the study there were around 350 buildings involved, last we checked this number was over 7,000. This underscores the real potential of digitalization, not just in theory, but at a massive scale." Jasmin continues.
What the data tells us
The key takeaway from this project is clear: we already have the tools to make a difference. What's needed now is the resolve and collective action to scale these solutions globally.
"If we act fast to cut emissions and ramp up carbon removal, we still have a shot at counteracting the effects of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold. But timing is critical." Jasmin emphasizes and sums it all up;
"We all live on this planet, and we all need to pitch in. Whether it's an individual effort or big industry changes, it all adds up."
For us at Kiona, the next steps are to continue providing tools that make it easier for property owners and building managers to optimize their energy use. We're also focused on spreading the word, working on case studies like this to encourage others to adopt similar technologies and practices.
About Ericsson:
Ericsson is committed to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040. This commitment involves reducing emissions in its own operations and supply chain and supporting its customers in minimizing their carbon footprints through energy-efficient products and solutions. As part of this effort, Ericsson has set science-based targets to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, in alignment with the 1.5°C ambition outlined in the Paris Agreement.
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