Institute of Building Services Technology

Institute of Building Services Technology belongs to the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering in the School of Engineering (ENG) at Aalto University (AAL).

Building services technology comprises design, installation, operation and monitoring of mechanical, electrical and public health systems required for the safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly operation of modern buildings.

History

The Institute of Building Services Technology was established in 2007 through the collaboration of companies operating in the industry. Companies supporting the start-up of the operations and financial feasibility included Ensto, FläktWoods, Halton, Oras, Schneider Electric Finland, Uponor, YIT, Skanska, Parma, Senaatti-kiinteistöt.

Objectives

The crucial focus areas are energy efficiency, renovation and digital technology. With the operations now starting, the task of the Institute is to ask endcustomers, participating companies and Aalto University departments to submit their views on things which will be delved into in needs-based research and subsequently in joint development projects based upon the results of the research conducted. Through customer orientation, the development of the innovation process and focused inter-company collaboration products will be developed and the users of buildings and premises will be offered new building engineering solutions and value-added services which improve their business potential.

A highly important goal is to increase research and effective development in order to raise the energy efficiency of buildings. With increased renovation, this translates into savings in the energy consumption of all properties and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in electricity production.

The needs-based operational goals for all projects are determined by the Institute through project structuring. An important role here is played by the advisory board. Representatives for the advisory board are invited from all companies and public bodies that have signed an agreement and committed to five-year collaboration and support. When the topic is significant for the building service sector, the planning of a research programme is started. This involves the specification of the goal, the planning of competent resources and people in charge as well as the mapping of potential parties and companies engaging in financing and other activities. The responsibility for implementing the project is defined in the plan, and the Institute uses management team work to support the active participation of companies in particular.

The technical systems in building services engineering as well as equipment service and maintenance will require more competence in the future. Also, new solutions in new building and renovation require those planning and implementing the solutions to have a wider all-round understanding and industry knowledge. The Institute is willing to contribute to the content of education and training at all levels and also to help in providing information on the needs of the building services industry and on the trends in the existing and needed number of competent professionals.

International collaboration plays an important role in all the operations of the Institute. We wish to enhance it at all levels.

Plan 2012