260 solar panels will generate renewable energy for Fuuga

The 260 solar panels to be installed on Fuuga’s roof will generate energy steadily from morning to evening. On an annual basis, they will produce approximately one third of the energy required by the building’s technical systems. This corresponds to savings of around 10,000€ per year.

When natural light floods into Fuuga, electricity consumption is reduced while creating a soft atmosphere in the foyer areas. The building does not overheat even during summer heatwaves, as the placement of the windows and the zigzag design help reduce excess heat load.

Designed specifically for music, Fuuga’s energy-efficient solutions have been developed in close integration with building systems engineering and architectural planning. Natural elements are visible not only in the use of energy solutions but also in the lighting and wooden structural features.

Energy-efficient solutions reduce costs

The energy used to maintain Fuuga is primarily renewable. Ventilation and underfloor heating are energy-efficient, and automation systems regulate temperature and humidity. One of the most significant energy solutions is a hybrid heating and cooling distribution system developed in cooperation with Turku Energia. The system combines heat pumps and district cooling to dry and cool the premises.

– The more energy efficiency is considered during the planning phase, the more cost-effective the building will be in future use, says Tero Viander, Energy Manager of the City of Turku.

At the core of the system is the principle of producing and consuming energy only as needed. This ensures controlled temperature and humidity, for example during concerts. When Fuuga is empty or used for rehearsals, ventilation and heating operate at a lower level.

– Energy-efficient, durable and intelligent solutions reduce not only energy costs but also future maintenance and servicing needs, Viander adds.

Comprehensive metering of the energy systems further improves monitoring. Changes in energy consumption can be detected and addressed efficiently.

Commitment to carbon neutrality

Fuuga’s energy solutions support the City of Turku’s carbon neutrality targets. Turku aims to become carbon neutral by 2029.

Carbon neutrality goals have guided Fuuga’s energy solutions, including low-emission district heating and district cooling. The energy recovery capability of the heating and cooling systems minimises the carbon footprint during operation by capturing waste energy.

More than 95% of Turku Energia’s district heating and 100% of district cooling are produced from renewable energy sources. Electricity production is 100% carbon neutral.

Smart systems and precise building technology create a sustainable future

Fuuga’s energy systems have been dimensioned to be flexible and forward-looking, enabling versatile use of the concert hall in the future. Building systems engineering and building automation play a key role in managing demanding indoor conditions and energy consumption.

– The building’s lifecycle has been designed for 100 years, which means the structural solutions have been planned with the future in mind, says Ville Ankelo, Building Services Expert at Hartela.

In practice, flexibility means that heating, cooling and humidity control adjust according to the number of people present. Building automation proactively regulates indoor temperature, cooling, humidification, dehumidification and lighting.

– The concert hall has three separate ventilation zones, which allows versatile control options. For example, the seating area and the performers on stage have separate air supply systems, Ankelo explains.

The energy system has been designed to be highly flexible and easily expandable, allowing capacity to be increased in response to future needs.