Norwegian commercial buildings use more energy than they need, but many do not know how much or why. A lack of data is part of the problem. The solution is not just to flood the system with more data, but to ensure control and structure in how that data is used.

– The ability to master data will create significant divides between players in the real estate industry moving forward. The winners will be those who are data- and technology-driven, says Pål Oroszko, Technical Director at Entra.

– Couldn't find the solution we wanted
Electricity, which was almost free a few years ago, has become expensive. With 1.3 million square meters under management, Entra knows that it is costly not to have a sufficient overview of energy consumption in their buildings. When they started looking for a new energy management system (EMS) for their properties some time ago, they couldn't find what they were looking for. 

– The solution we wanted, and which we believe the real estate industry needs to collect and structure master data across systems, did not exist. We needed a solution with a single source of data that could communicate with other systems, including ERP, invoicing, and operational tools, says Oroszko.

Like many other real estate players, Entra has a strong focus on property technology. They believe that new technology is a crucial driver for sustainable operations, profitability, and efficiency. 

– To achieve change quickly, we have a responsibility as a major player to lead the way. When we couldn't find the solution we wanted, we decided to help develop it, says Oroszko. 

Entra chose to collaborate with Noova Energy Systems on the development of a solution that could be adapted to the company's needs. The result is a platform that connects, among other things, floor area data, various building management systems (BMS), energy metering, and invoicing based on actual tenant consumption.

– The most important thing we have done is to gain much better control over our data and work toward one common, reliable source of data across the organization. When systems are connected and we simultaneously create clear routines for how the data should be used, we gain better control over energy consumption. It also provides our tenants with a better product through improved energy monitoring and environmental reporting, says Oroszko.

All cards on the table
While many real estate players traditionally keep their cards close to their chest, Entra chose transparency to drive innovation forward. Oroszko explains that they shared everything with Noova Energy Systems, who handled the development project. 

– We shared all the insight and knowledge we possess, big and small. We showed them our processes. If we were to get a solution that works well in everyday life, we had to base it on both how we operate and how we wish we operated, says Oroszko.

Rigged for new EU requirements
The result is a platform that integrates everything from floor area data and various building management systems to invoicing models based on actual consumption per tenant, and which is prepared for future regulatory requirements. With CSRD and new energy directives from the EU, documentation requirements will become significantly stricter in the years to come.

– Being able to handle new requirements is a critical function. Companies should ensure right now that they have control over their data and that their systems can communicate with each other. In the coming years, the industry will have to document data that many aren't even collecting today, continues Oroszko.

The EMS system has now been rolled out across Entra's massive portfolio and is also available on the market. Oroszko is convinced that they have found a solution that gives both real estate players and customers better control over data and consumption.

– I would say we are setting a new standard for energy monitoring. The system is scalable, user-friendly, and can be changed quickly when new needs arise – which we know will happen. This is spot-on for the industry, he concludes.

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