In 2021, Fanny Norkko contacted Plant for the first time. Previously, Wallenstam had performed climate calculations manually. They asked the contractor to provide figures based on their financial calculations.
- For Plant, we just send them the 3D models. They retrieve the data once, which is positive if we want to do more calculations and iterations, then it's easy to just update them. It's quicker to test different things at different stages of construction, test different structural systems and do alternative studies. Anything you can automate is often worth automating. Starting from a cost estimate is more time-consuming.
The first calculation Plant made for Wallenstam was for the Kompositören project in Uppsala. Wallenstam received a result of the project's carbon dioxide emissions and then another ten or so projects were calculated. Framework agreements were soon signed.
- I have been the client for both Plant and previous processes. Starting from a cost calculation placed high demands on the contractors to keep track of material quantities, which is difficult. No matter how good you are, it is difficult and time-consuming to keep track of the enormous amount of data. The 3D models store it in a completely different way. Now we don't have an additional party or external consultant to get the data.
The architect and designer own the 3D models and have detailed control of the materials and quantities.
- All architects and designers start drawing in the 3D model immediately, so the model allows you to start making the calculations at a very early stage. Waiting for the cost estimate takes longer.
Wallenstam's current sustainability goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10% from production by 2023, which it is well on the way to achieving. Work is now underway to develop new aggressive targets for the future in accordance with the Paris Agreement, which involves halving carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
- We have realized that we need to do more and we need to do it quickly. We have tough but decisive goals, it's about doing this for the sake of our planet. It is a very important journey that we are now making together with Plant. The construction and real estate industry has a big impact and drives emissions. To succeed, we need to know where we are today and what is driving our emissions. It's about carbon dioxide emissions throughout the process, but the majority of our carbon dioxide emissions occur from the time the raw material is produced to the completion of the building.
When Fanny contacted Plant a year ago, Plant consisted of three people. Today, Plant has 16 full-time employees.
- It has been fun to see Plant's journey and a lot has happened this year. You can see it in the number of customers. Plant fills a huge need in the industry with this type of calculation tool and expertise. Plant has a smooth process, a great willingness to cooperate and is solution-oriented.
Published: October 15, 2022
