Energy calculation – the key to a more sustainable and profitable building
An energy calculation gives you an overview of a building's energy use and heat loss. This is valuable knowledge whether you are building new or carrying out energy and environmental measures on an existing building.
By getting involved early in the project, we can point to good measures from the start and refine them as the project develops. The same applies to existing buildings, but here it is the survey of the existing building that gives a good indication of where it pays to optimise solutions to achieve cost-effective energy savings.
Why is energy calculation important?
Energy use is one of the largest ongoing costs of a building. An energy calculation paves the way for good choices that ensure responsible energy use for both new and existing buildings throughout their lifetime. From 1 January 2026, a new energy labelling scheme has been introduced that rewards relieving the power system and improving energy efficiency in existing buildings. Calculations carried out in accordance with the current regulations provide information about the energy status of homes and buildings to building owners, tenants and home buyers, and make for better interaction with other instruments such as Enova.
[Facts]
Frequently asked questions about energy calculation
What is an energy calculation?
An energy calculation shows how much energy a building is expected to use, and where heat loss occurs. The calculation is used as a basis for choosing energy-efficient solutions and documenting that the building meets the applicable requirements.
When do you need an energy calculation?
An energy calculation is usually carried out when designing new buildings, or when rehabilitating or improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. It provides a good basis for decisions early in the project.
Is an energy calculation a requirement?
Yes. When constructing new buildings and for some larger conversions, the energy requirements in the building regulations (TEK17) must be documented. An energy calculation is the most common method of documenting that the requirements are met.
What is the difference between an energy calculation and energy labelling?
An energy calculation analyses the building's energy performance and is used in design and documentation. Energy labelling gives the building an energy grade from A to G based on the applicable energy labelling regulations.
Why is an energy calculation important?
An energy calculation makes it easier to reduce energy use, heat loss and operating costs. It also provides a better basis for choosing the right solutions for the building envelope, ventilation and heating.
Can an energy calculation be used for existing buildings?
Yes. For existing buildings, energy calculations are used to map the energy status and assess which measures have the greatest effect and the best profitability.
The most important changes
The purpose of the new energy labelling regulations is:
- Better scores for buildings with heating solutions that interact well with the power system, such as district heating.
- Adjusting the energy rating scale makes the scheme more relevant for the entire building stock.
- Simplifying the energy label. The energy label will only consist of a letter grade on a scale from A to G, without a heating grade in the form of a colour scale as today.
Read the updated regulations here (in Norwegian).
Discount on your first energy calculation
To mark the new energy labelling scheme, we are offering new customers a discount on their first energy calculation with us. Contact us for an informal chat.
How we help you get started
At Head Energy Introcon, architect Steffen Alvær carries out energy, heat loss and indoor climate calculations. Such a calculation helps ensure that the right decisions are made when choosing the building envelope, ventilation and heating solutions. This way, you can reduce unnecessary heat loss and meet official or project-specific requirements.
Our working method consists of:
- Producing or obtaining documentation for the planned or existing building
- Carrying out calculations based on the available documentation, so you have a good basis for further decisions
- Preparing proposed measures based on the project's conditions
- Preparing documentation or a final report*
*Official requirements achieved / energy label / reporting to Enova / BREEAM etc.
Project experience
Steffen has extensive experience with energy calculations, both as a structural engineer and architect in a design role, and in an independent control function (UAK).
He has assisted with energy calculations and the mapping of measures in new and existing buildings across many different building categories, such as detached houses, apartment blocks, kindergartens, school buildings, nursing homes and multi-purpose halls.
Contact us.
Do you have questions or want to know more about our services? We would love to hear from you!
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