When the heating systems in the Graniten 1 and Graniten 2 properties needed to be modernised, HSB, one of Swedens biggest property owner and manager chose to invest in HybridHEAT from HögforsGST. The result is annual energy savings of nearly 700,000 kWh, while residents also benefit from a more stable and comfortable indoor climate.
Graniten 1 and Graniten 2 are typical apartment buildings from Sweden’s Million Programme era. According to Arvid Fasth, Head of Property Development at HSB, there was a clear need to improve the heating systems in the properties. This became the starting point for a more modern and energy-efficient heating solution.
With HybridHEAT, the properties’ district heating system works together with heat pumps and heat recovery from exhaust air. Energy that would otherwise be lost through ventilation can instead be recovered and reused for heating. District heating remains an important part of the system, supplementing the recovered energy when needed.
The objective of the investment was clear: to reduce energy consumption and heating costs without compromising residents’ comfort.
Exhaust air heat recovery and smart control working together
The installations in Graniten 1 and Graniten 2 differ slightly in their design. This also demonstrates one of the key strengths of HybridHEAT: the flexibility to adapt the system solution to the existing conditions and specific needs of each property.
Another important part of improving energy efficiency is adapting the heating to the actual temperatures inside the apartments. Through integration with EcoGuard, the control system receives data from temperature sensors in the apartments and can regulate the heating according to the property’s actual needs.
This helps reduce temperature fluctuations and provides a more stable indoor climate. At the same time, unnecessary heating is avoided, creating further opportunities to reduce energy use.
Nearly 700,000 kWh in annual energy savings
Following the implemented measures, energy use in the properties has been significantly reduced. Total savings amount to nearly 700,000 kWh per year, representing almost a 50% reduction compared with previous levels.
Arvid Fasth also highlights the interaction between HybridHEAT and district heating as one of the solution’s major advantages. Rather than replacing district heating, the system combines it with heat pumps and recovered energy from the property. In this way, the different energy sources complement each other to create an efficient and flexible heating system.
According to Arvid, the collaboration with HögforsGST has worked very well. The project encountered some challenges during its initial stages, but HögforsGST remained involved throughout the process, working together with HSB to find the right solutions and achieve a well-functioning system.
Photo: Arvid Fasth, Head of Property Development at HSB
Lower energy use and a more stable indoor climate
For HSB, the project has delivered benefits on several fronts. Energy use has been significantly reduced, while residents have gained a better indoor climate with more stable temperatures.
By combining district heating, heat pumps, exhaust air heat recovery and smart control, the properties can use energy more efficiently and recover heat that would otherwise have been lost.
Together with reduced energy costs and the environmental benefits, Arvid Fasth describes the result as a win for all parties involved.
