Paroc carried out an Innova project in Riihimäki with the goal of finding a new, energy-efficient way of renovating old multi-storey buildings. The goals were high, and the location was challenging. The outcome is a technically well-functioning solution, which enabled a considerably shorter repair time and it was possible for the residents to live in their homes throughout the renovation. Finnish wood sector promotion organisations granted the Innova project an honourable mention at the 2012 Puupalkinto (wood prize) awards.
The honourable mention is a good example of how Paroc's long-term development and innovation work for energy-efficient building solutions are attracting interest,” says Paroc Group CEO Kari Lehtinen. ”We will further contribute to innovations made through customer cooperation because we believe that development projects implemented through cooperation provide the best results for customers and end users," he says.
Innova's solutions
The main themes for the energy technology goals of the Innova project were renovation elements developed for renovation, and state-of-the-art ventilation solutions. In the facade renovation, a decision was made to select the vertical timber frame element manufactured by Teeri-Kolmio Oy. Paroc thermal insulation, windows, balcony doors and flat-specific ventilation channels were integrated to the element at the factory. Using a ready-made element reduced the repair time by 50% compared to on-site repair. VTT is still monitoring the location's energy consumption and the functionality of the structure through sensors installed in the elements. The measurement results will be published after the first heating period in autumn 2013.
Two new ventilation machines with a heat capture system were installed at the location, meaning that up to 75% of the heat in the exhaust air can be utilised. The renewed ventilation improved indoor air quality when the location's tightness was repaired to almost meet the standard level of a passive house. The result of VTT's air tightness measurement is 0.8 l/h whereas the passive level is 0.6 l/h. The comparison value of a new house is 2.0 l/h and the typical value of an older house is about 4–8 l/h.
From the residents' viewpoint, the success of renovation projects is measured through the outcome and through communication during construction. The Innova project used multi-channel communication where the residents were informed by email and SMS messages in addition to traditional flyers and notices. Therefore, it was possible to communicate quickly to the residents and their family members living elsewhere, or those supervising their interests.
For more details, please contact:
Kari Lehtinen, CEO, Paroc Group Oy, tel. +358 46 876 8902
or
Anne-Maarit Sepling, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Paroc Group, tel. +358 46 876 8000, anne-maarit.sepling@paroc.com
For more information and photos of the Innova project: Tuula Nordberg, Project Manager, tuula.nordberg@paroc.com, tel. +358 40 575 5525
Paroc is the leading manufacturer of energy-efficient insulation solutions in the Baltic Sea region. Our operations are based on customer and staff orientation, continuous innovation, profitable growth and sustainable development. The Paroc product range includes building insulation, technical insulation, marine insulation, sandwich elements and acoustic products. Products are made in Finland, Sweden, Lithuania and Poland, and also (starting from 2013) in Russia. Paroc has sales offices and representatives in 13 European countries. Paroc Group is owned by a group of banks and other institutional investors, and as a minority owner, the staff of Paroc. Our turnover in 2011 was EUR 405 million, and the average number of staff was 1,990.