Deep Energy Renovation provides several important benefits for the members and the association:
- Minimal climate impact
- Lower annual fees
- Higher tenant-owned flat value
- Better comfort (cold drafts in winter disappear, controlled ventilation with the right air quality, no moisture problems in the bathrooms)
- Immunity to future energy price hikes
- A different feeling to the membership and living in the association (lowest possible climate impact, “we are doing something”)
- Upcoming regulatory requirements for reduced energy use have already been addressed
- Reduced vulnerability to external disturbances (interruptions in energy supplies)
Housing costs (annual fee) will be significantly reduced when the current costly energy purchases end. It can also be free (the annual fee is zero) to live in Hjorthagshus; the possibility of this is reported under Finance. There are more and more associations with zero fees.
In order for the full increase in flat value of about 15 percent to fall out, the maintenance of the houses must be improved, and the care of the garden must be better. Improved maintenance eliminates a number of costly maintenance tasks. The expected increase in value of 15 percent increases the value of the apartments by 40 m2 by approximately SEK 450,000 and approximately SEK 500,000 for the apartments by 44 m2. The total capital gain for the members will be approximately SEK 175 million.
Energy security and autonomy
In the event of interruptions in external energy supplies, Hjorthagshus can be completely unaffected if deep energy renovation has been done. Energy autonomous buildings are currently located in Västerås, Växjö and Malmö. Buildings that deliver a substantial surplus of energy can be found in Gothenburg, among other places.
Technology exists for long-term storing of electricity. Some battery types – such as flow batteries – can retain electricity for three months or more. During this time, they will be replenished by the solar cells. Storage of electricity in hydrogen stored in boreholes in the bedrock is also a possibility. Backup power with motor-driven generators enables the association’s buildings to have both heat and electricity for several years. Such backup solutions are available in various government buildings in the vicinity of the association.
