Energy crises and blackouts pose severe risks to health, safety, and infrastructure - especially in Nordic regions with aging building stock and harsh winters. VTT’s FinERB project, funded by the Research Council of Finland, introduces a comprehensive framework for energy resilience in buildings, combining technical solutions with human-centered insights to ensure safety and comfort during power outages.
As climate change drives extreme weather and unpredictable energy disruptions due to natural, economic, and political changes, the need for resilient buildings has never been greater. In Finland, 43% of buildings were constructed before the 1980s, often lacking modern resilience features. Also, 23% of the population is over 50 years old, making them vulnerable. Moreover, there are no clear standards or guidelines for energy resilience tailored to the Nordic context. The FinERB project addresses this gap by defining energy resilience for cold climates and providing actionable tools for policymakers and building owners.
Renovations and renewables key to energy resilience in nordic buildings
The FinERB project reveals that energy-resilient buildings are those capable of maintaining indoor temperatures within crucial habitability thresholds (15–19°C) and supplying minimal electrical power for essential services during outages. In cold climates, older buildings can lose heat rapidly when the power goes out, while newer, better-insulated structures retain warmth much longer. Importantly, retrofitting older buildings significantly enhances their passive resilience, improving habitability by 25% with only a modest 9% increase in costs. The integration of solar panels and battery storage further boosts energy resilience in both new and existing buildings. During blackouts, occupants prioritize maintaining heat and ensuring critical systems like refrigeration, lighting, and telecommunications remain operational. The findings highlight that a holistic strategy—combining technical upgrades with social considerations such as affordability and health—is essential to protect vulnerable populations and ensure safety and comfort during energy crises.
TheFinERB project recommends integrating energy resilience into building codes, promoting renewable energy and storage systems, and setting clear temperature standards for survival and comfort. Moreover, to protect public health, policies should prioritize and mandate investment in preparing buildings for energy crises. These measures can reduce healthcare costs, prevent economic losses, and improve public safety.
Contact
Dr. Hassam ur Rehman
Senior Scientist, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Research Fellow, Research Council of Finland (RCF)
Operating Agent for IEA EBC Annex 93
Learn more about the Research Council of Finland’s FinERB project (Decision no: 348060):
https://cris.vtt.fi/en/projects/energy-resilience-in-buildings-in-extreme-cold-weather-conditions
Read the full research articles:
