Read about energy efficient solutions and the ways how Lappeenranta has been able to decrease heat consumption in buildings owned by the city.

The 'Down a Degree' campaign

The City of Lappeenranta took part in the 'Down a Degree' campaign by decreasing the room temperature in city-owned buildings.

• In spaces with a room specific temperature control, the room temperature was lowered to 20 degrees by a building automation system.
• Building automation refers to the automatic management of conditions and equipment, such as heating and ventilation systems.

The campaign's results during the heating season 2022–2023:

• Electricity and heat consumption decreased by up to 70% of the target buildings.
• Electricity consumption decreased by 4% in the buildings.
• Heat consumption decreased by 3% in the buildings.

The city participated in the 'Down a Degree' campaign from September 2022 to February 2023. The campaign was organized by the state-owned sustainable development company Motiva, and it encouraged households to save energy and improve energy efficiency.

Demand controlled ventilation

A large part of a building's heating energy consumption is caused by ventilation when there are no users in the building. Energy surveys show that it is significantly more energy efficient to start enhanced ventilation before the building is used and to stop ventilation outside of use.

In Lappeenranta, 11 buildings have been connected to a building automation system. These buildings are schools, daycare centers, the premises of the Lappeenranta Environmental Service and the City Hall.

Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings

The energy efficiency of buildings is improved through various measures.

Artificial intelligence is used to control heating, lighting and ventilation through various services. Thanks to the services, ventilation can be optimized according to needs and conditions. In addition, artificial intelligence services enable the prediction of the effects of weather on heating needs.

The use of LED lighting: The use of LED technology enables lighting control.

Promoting more sustainable energy production

The City of Lappeenranta uses Väre's green electricity, which is 100% renewable and certified with a guarantee of origin.

Aiming for carbon neutrality in district heating

Lappeenrannan Energia aims for carbon neutrality by 2026. The heating system uses biomass from side streams at the Kaukaan Voima Oy plant, renewable electricity in an electric boiler and in thermal batteries.

District heating is produced with hydrogen in Joutseno. In the coming years, waste heat will also be utilized more and more as a source of district heating.