16.10.2026
Press release
Waste heat from Abloy’s Joensuu factory could soon heat local homes as Caverion delivers EUR 2.3 million energy investment
Abloy will invest approximately EUR 2.3 million in the energy systems at its Joensuu factory between 2026 and 2028. As part of the investment, Caverion will deliver a new energy centre designed to recover waste heat using heat pump technology. Caverion will also install a cooling network for the factory, which covers more than 21,000 square metres, and upgrade its heat recovery and ventilation systems.
The new energy centre will allow waste heat generated at the Joensuu factory to be recovered and used efficiently to heat the site. Any surplus heat can be fed into the local energy company’s district heating network and used to heat homes in Joensuu.
Annual energy savings equivalent to heating 200 detached homes
“Once the investment is complete, the factory’s annual energy savings will be equivalent to the amount needed to heat around 200 detached homes. An electric car could travel more than 13 million kilometres using the same amount of energy,” says Enssi Savolainen, Sustainability Manager at Abloy.
The project builds on the long-term development of the energy systems at Abloy’s Joensuu factory. The new solution will benefit Abloy, the local energy company and residents alike.
“This investment supports our goal of developing the Joensuu factory sustainably for the long term, while also improving working conditions for our employees. Upgrading the ventilation and heat recovery systems is a natural next step following our earlier building automation improvements, as well as a tangible way to save energy,” Savolainen says.
Surplus heat could cover the annual heating needs of 50 detached homes
The energy centre delivered by Caverion will recover heat generated by the factory’s production processes and within the building. Heat pump technology will raise the recovered heat to a usable temperature before directing it either to the factory’s own heating system or to the district heating network.
“Outside the heating season, when the factory needs less heat, surplus energy can be fed into Joensuu’s district heating network. The annual amount supplied to the network is expected to meet the heating needs of more than 50 detached homes,” says Harri Sarkkinen, Caverion’s Head of the Joensuu Region.
Industrial heat pumps provide the most efficient way to raise waste heat to the temperature required by a district heating network. The energy centre being delivered for Abloy will use only natural refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP). These refrigerants do not release greenhouse gas emissions into the environment, even in the event of a refrigerant leak.
“We would like to thank Abloy for our long-standing partnership and for the trust it has placed in our energy expertise. As a local company, we are proud to support businesses and employees in the region,” Sarkkinen adds.
Finland is estimated to generate around 130 terawatt-hours of waste heat each year, with industry accounting for approximately 16 terawatt-hours of this potential. Recovering industrial waste heat offers a practical way to cut emissions from energy production and improve energy efficiency without using additional primary energy.
Further information for media:
Anniina Kajasviita, Caverion Communications
anniina.kajasviita@caverion.com, +358 50 591 8312
Abloy offers security and locking innovations dedicated to creating more trust in the world. Combining digital and mechanical expertise, Abloy Oy develops industry-leading security solutions that protect people, property and business. Abloy is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, the global leader in access solutions. Every day, we help billions of people experience a more open world. www.abloy.com
