Mikko Kouhia, Calculations Manager

The construction project is at such an early stage that almost no information is available about it, but the customer wants to get an estimate of the energy consumption of the building to be constructed on the plot. Problems like these are what Calculations Manager Mikko Kouhia from Granlund’s Consulting Department solves in his work.

“We are currently developing a solution that will help us anticipate the energy consumption of a building before the developer has even applied for a building permit,” he says.

The solution under development is based on data-based machine learning. Unlike computer programs that are based on commands, in other words code, machine learning is based on mathematical formulae and key figures, in other words output data.

“The computer learns to achieve the best result by weighting the output data in different ways. In this case, I entered basic data previously collected in Granlund’s projects, such as the building type and area, as well as energy consumption data. Then, I checked the reliability of the machine learning,” he says.

The first version of the tool has now been completed and, according to Mikko, it has proven itself viable for the energy calculations in the initial stages of the project.

“We assume that we will be able to estimate buildings’ energy consumption in our future consultancy projects without requiring the dozens of hours of work it usually takes.”

Many things falling into place

Mikko’s doctoral thesis, completed at Aalto University, focused on solutions for sustainable energy systems. After working for a small software company, he joined Granlund a little less than a year ago.

“My previous work heavily involved coding background systems. While that is still part of what I do, I now also get to influence societal development, well-being and the challenges of climate change. My work enables me to tap into the different areas of my expertise in what I enjoy most, which is solving problems,” he says.

I get to influence societal development, well-being and the challenges of climate change.

Mikko Kouhia, Calculations Manager, Granlund

The variability of the work has also been a nice surprise.

“My working days include development projects, basic calculations as well as clearly outlined concepts, such as the modelling and technical assessment of deep-heat wells in connection with construction and district energy projects.”

Surprised by the wide-ranging expertise of the work community

According to Mikko, he works with both the Consulting Department and Granlund Group’s other experts in both in-house projects and at the customer interface. The consulting department has 30 experts from various fields, from energy calculations to lifecycle assessment professionals. Team configurations vary from project to project.

“I was positively surprised how Granlund Group has such a wide range of expertise. My colleagues and supervisor are also a highly appreciated source of support,” he says.

My colleagues and supervisor are a highly appreciated source of support.

Mikko Kouhia, Calculations Manager, Granlund

“The best part is that the work is well organised, the tasks are interesting and the work community is excellent. Granlund takes care of people’s well-being at work and gives them opportunities to direct their tasks and careers according to their interests. At this point, I feel like I’ve managed to find my particular niche quite well.”

We will be able to estimate buildings’ energy consumption in the future without requiring the dozens of hours of work.

Mikko Kouhia, Calculations Manager, Granlund