We have recouped the cost of using Smartvatten in less than a year

26.6.2024

Total control of water consumption, more efficient resource use, and significant cost savings. These are the results after Ringerike Boligstiftelse started using Smartvatten's solution. The next step is now being taken as additional properties are connected to the automated system.

Ringerike Boligstiftelse manages around 650 apartments with the municipality as the sole tenant. Previously, Ringerike Boligstiftelse only had management responsibilities, but for the past two years, they have also taken over the operation and maintenance responsibilities.

– We work a lot with new technology and choose to use smart technical solutions that improve for our tenants and ease our work, says Jan-Ove Øiahals, operations manager at the company.

Among other things, the maintenance technicians use drones to inspect roofs and thermal drones to detect leaks on roofs outside the building's closed system. Ringerike Boligstiftelse’s properties are located in Ringerike municipality, which has some of the highest water charges in Norway.

– Water costs money, and water leaks can cost us several million NOK per year. Smartvatten’s solution fits well into our technology-friendly operation and significantly improves our ability to control water flows, says Jan-Ove.

Reduced water consumption by 7 percent

For nearly a year, Ringerike Boligstiftelse has had Smartvatten's system activated in six properties. The next step is to connect additional properties.

– One hour after connecting to Smartvatten, we discovered the first water leak, and a day later, another one. We have averted several major water leaks and fixed many smaller leaks during this initial period. In total, we have reduced our water consumption by 7 percent, which results in significant cost savings, just in the six properties where we have now completed a pilot project. The savings will be even greater when we soon connect more properties, says Jan-Ove.

Saving nearly 1 million NOK annually

To explain the savings that the use of Smartvatten’s solution entails for Ringerike Boligstiftelse, Jan-Ove mentions a running toilet in one of their properties. The toilet leaked 639 liters of water per hour, resulting in a cost of approximately 2,030 NOK per day.

– Without action, the toilet would have cost us nearly 122,000 NOK after 120 days. This does not account for the economic savings of avoiding evacuation of residents in the event of a major water damage, or allocating personnel resources to the wrong tasks, explains Jan-Ove.

Considering the total savings, including costs such as water heating, water damage, and personnel, the figures look even better.

– Calculated for 60 properties, we could annually save 3,360 cubic meters of water, nearly 947,300 NOK, and approximately 12,700 kilograms of CO2e. It’s easy to conclude that Smartvatten saves us a lot of costs and is a very good tool for reducing our water consumption. It also helps us to be a role model for the rest of the municipality and contribute to the green transition, states Jan-Ove.

More efficient handling of meter data

Thanks to the fact that the water meters are now read remotely, the entire process of collecting meter readings has become significantly simpler.

– Previously, we often had to make estimates of water consumption in cases where the reporting came in late, for example, because a technician was sick. Moreover, we can now use our technicians where they are truly needed and not waste their time reading water meters. We also minimize the risk of human errors leading to incorrect figures being reported, says Jan-Ove.

Another appreciated feature is the alarm that triggers in cases where water consumption deviates.

– When an alarm goes off, we can quickly check the app on the phone and make an initial assessment if an intervention is necessary. Previously, we had to respond to all alarms reported by the residents. Now we can see in real time if control can wait until the next day or if we need to respond in the middle of the night. I really love the alarm function, he says.

"Everyone should use Smartvatten"

Jan-Ove highly recommends Smartvatten’s solution to everyone working with properties.

– Smartvatten provides us with the right information and helps us detect and fix leaks immediately. We have recouped the costs of using Smartvatten in less than a year, which in itself is a strong argument for everyone to use the solution.

He appreciates the collaboration with Smartvatten that has continued throughout the entire period.

– Smartvatten has been responsive to our needs, and as soon as a question arises, they are there to support, discuss, and develop the service to fit us.

Jens Karlsson is the primary contact at Smartvatten for Jan-Ove and his team. He is pleased with the successes that Ringerike Boligstiftelse has had after installing Smartvatten’s solution.

– It’s fantastic that our solution helps the Boligstiftelse stay at the forefront and supports them in their proactive work around water consumption. I look forward to our continued journey together where we will expand the collaboration and ensure they further optimize their water consumption and prevent future water damage, he says.