An energy-efficient log building saves energy, the environment and running costs. For many owners and users of log care homes and daycare centres, excellent energy efficiency is also a value proposition. Well-designed Tunnehirsi log buildings can even achieve top-A-class energy efficiency.
In Finland, the buildings’ energy performance requirements are based on energy efficiency regulations set by the Ministry of the Environment. An energy performance certificate must be submitted as part of the application for planning permission for a new building and can only be carried out by a qualified professional.
Construction and the building stock have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, the energy efficiency of buildings is an important factor in achieving carbon neutrality targets for municipalities and organisations. The energy efficiency of new buildings is regularly improved through tightening requirements.
Energy-efficient public buildings save both the environment and energy. For municipalities, building owners and users, energy efficiency is a compulsory but good way to contribute to climate action while saving money on the use of buildings.
Tuomo Koskimaa, an HVAC expert at Hoivarakentajat, explains that many factors influence the energy efficiency of a building. A single structural element, such as a log, has a relatively small impact on the building’s energy efficiency.
It is worth investing in the architectural and structural design of day-care centres and care buildings. In addition to structural solutions, the size, shape and openings of the building are some of the factors that influence energy efficiency.
Of course, building services engineering, i.e. heating, ventilation, water and electricity solutions, also have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a building. Building services solutions are selected and taken into account at the architectural design stage.
When the whole structure – the log walls, the upper and lower floor structures and the windows – are built carefully and airtight, no heat is wasted.
HVAC expert Tuomo Koskimaa, Hoivarakentajat
Typically in Finland, service homes and daycare buildings are required to be energy class C or B. In the case of log buildings built by Hoivarakentajat, even the best energy class A can be achieved with minor additional measures. This is particularly important for those interested in sustainability and environmental values, including investors.
The new Tunnehirsi daycare centres have a remarkably low e-figure – up to 7% lower than their counterparts. According to the 10/2022 extract from the Energy Performance Certificate Register, the e-factor of 20 log daycare centres built by Hoivarakentajat was 7% lower than the sample of 389 nurseries.
HVAC expert Tuomo Koskimaa, Hoivarakentajat
The e-figure for energy efficiency is notional and its calculation method is standardised. In reality, the energy performance of buildings is also affected by the behaviour of users. This is why we also carefully familiarise the users of the new Tunnehirsi buildings on how to operate the technical building solutions
The energy class calculated at the building permit stage is usually permanent, but changes affecting the energy class are sometimes made during the construction. In such cases, the energy calculation and certificate will be updated. The airtightness of log buildings built by Hoivarakentajat is always measured and often turns out to be better than the calculations.
The main heating system of Tunnehirsi log service homes and daycare centres is geothermal. However, geothermal heating is not possible on all plots. In such cases, another renewable energy source is chosen, such as an air-to-water heat pump. Some sites also use solar panels to provide renewable energy.
The heating, ventilation and lighting in the Tunnehirsi buildings will use automatic controls to minimise energy consumption.