Avia Cargo’s Energy Renovation – Toward Significant Emission Reductions

A Large Logistics Center in the Heart of the Airport

Avia Cargo is a 30,000-square-meter office and freight terminal located at Helsinki Airport, next to highways. The premises are structured into three layered sections: logistics and warehouse facilities, as well as office spaces. The property offers versatile usage possibilities and includes a 100-space parking garage and extensive yard areas.

Major Emission Reductions Expected

An energy renovation based on a project management contract model was carried out at the Avia Cargo property during 2023.

The rooftop was equipped with a 300 kWp solar power system made up of 1,000 panels, producing 285 MWh of renewable energy per year.

“On an annual basis, it replaces 10.9% of the property’s purchased electricity, cutting the property’s CO₂ emissions by 36 tons”, says Energy Projects Team Leader Henri Nyroos.  

In addition, the ventilation system was upgraded by installing a new air handling unit with efficient heat recovery to serve the warehouse space, and by replacing the fans of the old units with EC fans. The automation system was also completely renewed.

As a result of the changes, the property is expected to achieve annual CO₂ emission reductions of up to 171 tons. The energy savings correspond to approximately 20% of the property’s total energy consumption.

Additionally, the energy renovation helped eliminate the building’s maintenance backlog and improved control over indoor conditions.

Sustera’s Expertise Recognized by Client

”Working with Sustera is professional and reliable. We are currently enjoying the energy and climate benefits brought by the renovation”, says AVIA’s Property Manager Mikko Jokipii.

”The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Collaboration with the client and contractors has been very smooth and straightforward. It’s great to improve building energy consumption once again through this project”, Henri Nyroos comments.

The realization of savings will be verified during the monitoring phase

The project was completed at the end of 2023, after which the site entered a two-year monitoring phase monitored by Sustera’s energy manager.

During the monitoring phase, the operation and energy use of the building’s systems are tracked and optimized, and the actual savings achieved from the energy renovation are assessed.

The energy manager may also propose measures to optimize the energy-efficient operation of other building systems. The manager reviews the monthly status through the building automation system and reports the savings achieved to the client quarterly.

In the first year of Avia Cargo’s monitoring phase, the site’s electricity-related emissions were reduced by approximately 17% compared to 2020–2021.

During the monitoring period, schedules have also been adjusted as needed, and unnecessary manual operation of the ventilation units has been reduced. As a result, the savings look promising. The follow-up will continue with monthly inspections and reporting until the end of 2025.