Smart investment > More savings

The additional costs of making property energy efficient already when it is being constructed are notably low. Building property energy efficient increases the cost of construction only by approximately 0-5 %, according to the VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland.

The first house designed for minimal energy consumption in Finland was built in early 1990s and its energy consumption was monitored for three years. On the basis of this assessment VTT* estimated that additional investment in energy efficiency pays itself back in 5-6 years and yields a return of 15-20 %. VTT also estimated that an energywise house saves approximately €30,000-50,000 in 25 years, and may achieve resale prices up to 30 % higher than standard houses.

The introduction of energy certificates for buildings from 2006 in Europe is the most important factor contributing to the increasing value of energy efficient buildings in the EU countries. It will also lead to an increase in the demand for such buildings. The VTT estimates that having a good energy certificate will add the value of a house as much as 10-30 %.*

*Source: Rakennuslehti magazine 22.01.2004


Invest for future, lower life cycle costs

Deciding to invest in an energywise house is a long-term decision, made on the basis of the total costs involved. The total costs of an energywise house can be calculated by adding the cost of energy throughout the whole life cycle of the building to construction costs. Passive energywise houses are optimal in terms of lifespan costs of the building.


Contents of the energy bill

Energy bills do not itemise heating costs. Regardless of the energy source the property hot water usage is also included in energy costs. On the other hand, most of the time energy consumed by electric appliances is shown and priced separately.

Energy bills reflect not only how well the external walls and the roof have been insulated, but also what is the rate of air exchange and how the residents of the house consume energy for their own needs.


You can reduce your heating costs by:

- Using hot water economically
- Keeping windows closed in the winter in case the house has ventilation
- Adjusting ventilation to the right level
- Using wood-burning stoves
- Keeping room temperature at recommended levelSome reasons for high heating costs:

- Excessive room temperature. A change of one degree in room temperature corresponds to a change of some 5 % in energy consumption
- Excessive use of hot water. Many inhabitants live in the same premises or use water carelessly
- Excessive air conditioning and/or airing in the winter