Nacka municipality is using artificial intelligence to cut energy use and costs in three of its largest schools. After nine months, the savings are close to twice what it had hoped for. The pilot, run by the municipal property unit, could become a model for more of the 195 buildings the municipality manages.
How the system works
The AI has been connected to the heating and ventilation systems at Myrsjöskolan, Eklidens skola and Järla skola. Together, the three schools account for about 10 percent of the energy consumption in the municipality’s building stock. Using weather forecasts from several sources, the system regulates indoor temperature and airflow. It gradually learns how the buildings react, for example when the weather changes, and adjusts the systems quickly to save energy while keeping the indoor climate comfortable and even. Property manager Fredrik Axelsson says the advantage is that AI can control the operating systems faster and more precisely than people can.
The numbers so far
The project started at the end of 2025 and ends in June 2027. The property unit hoped to cut energy use and costs by 10–15 percent a year, but after nine months the saving is almost twice as large, according to Mats Fryxell, head of sustainability at the property unit.
| First estimate | Current estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost reduction, three schools | 180,000–275,000 kronor | close to 600,000 kronor |
| Payback time | 2.5–4 years | just over one year |
The municipality did not need to invest in more sensors or other technology. It mainly fine-tuned its existing systems with the help of AI, which kept investment costs down.
Next steps and the wider plan
When the final results are in, the property unit expects to have a concept for cutting costs and climate impact that can be applied to more buildings. According to traffic and property director Poa Hellqvist, the pilot is part of the Smart stad Nacka programme, which aims to make the municipality more attractive and sustainable through digitalisation, collaboration and innovation. The programme covers both the municipality’s own buildings and public spaces such as streets, parks and squares. Axelsson, who says he was sceptical at the start, notes that a property manager does not need to know the technology in detail. Nacka aims to be climate positive and circular by 2040.