Vaasa develops the energy efficiency of its bakeries

It is important for Vaasa to reduce the climate impact of bakery production from field to table. Along the way, the energy used in baking is the second largest contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, improving the energy efficiency of bakeries is key. The production of raw materials is the main source of emissions.

“We have a genuine desire to make energy efficiency part of the process. Reducing our climate impact requires a strong commitment from management, because it is difficult to calculate the payback period for measures. However, it is an investment in the future and an action in line with our values,” says Heikki Kiiski (pictured), Technical Director of Vaasa Ltd.

Vaasan Oy is one of the oldest national bakeries in Finland. Through its owner Lantmännen Unibake, Vaasan is part of the Swedish farmer-owned Lantmännen conglomerate, one of Europe’s largest players in bioenergy, machinery, agriculture and food.

Vaasan’s bakeries pay attention to energy use throughout the production chain. The aim is to reduce emissions at as many points as possible. The bakeries already use green electricity and recover heat from baking. Processes are constantly being improved.

There are many good developments in the bakery sector. New bakery lines are being built to be more efficient and use less energy. However, Kiisken says that energy efficiency could be improved more quickly. In old lines, it is essential to make the best possible use of the waste energy generated by the processes.

The power of cooperation

To develop energy efficiency, Vaasa was looking for a partner who is also familiar with industrial processes. LeaseGreen was a natural choice.

“It was clear to us that one person cannot manage everything we need. This kind of superhuman is created when the skills of many people are combined,” says Kiiski of Vaasa Ltd.

Thomas Luther, CEO of LeaseGreen, thinks Vaasan’s approach makes sense. For Vaasan, cooperation is practically risk-free. LeaseGreen’s experts will get to know Vaasan’s bakeries and look for potentials to save the promised amount of energy and costs. Some of the potentials can be realised through regulations or zero investment, others through larger investments.

“As part of the partnership, Vaasa will have access to a large team of experts with an exceptional breadth of knowledge and experience. We will ensure that the promised added value is realised – and make sure that everything works smartly and optimally. We also deliver the agreed development investments from start to finish.”

LeaseGreen has noticed that, especially in industry, improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint is too often fragmented. However, the best results are achieved through a systematic and long-term approach.

“We design and implement all measures to fit into the overall plan and the common roadmap. The biggest benefit comes from the holistic approach. It is good to build a genuine and real partnership on mutual trust,” says Luther.

The cooperation with Vaasan Oy is the most extensive in LeaseGreen, and it utilises the full range of services. In addition to surveys, a current status report and a development map, the package includes the ongoing LG Meta service. It’s all about digitising and optimising technology through the collaboration of AI and smart people. Based on the monitoring, the proposed development investments will be implemented through the LG Boost model, a turnkey, one-stop delivery.

The contract with LeaseGreen includes Vaasa Oy’s bakeries in Vantaa, Kuusankoski, Kiiming and Vammala. The first three focus on the production of fresh bread, including the most popular bread in Finland, Vaasa’s Ruispalo.

“Finnish bakeries are at the forefront of utilising waste energy from processes. For example, we recover heat energy from baking ovens through flue gases and use it in other parts of the process. In other technical solutions, we are in the middle of the pack,” says Kiiski.

Further information

Technical Director Heikki Kiiski, Vaasa Ltd
+358 400 878 389
heikki.kiiski@vaasan.com

Thomas Luther, Managing Director, LeaseGreen
358 40 5344 256
thomas.luther@leasegreen.com

Vaasan Oy is a Finnish bakery company employing around 530 people in Finland. We bake breads that Finns love in five bakeries across Finland and our mission is to strengthen the vitality of the bakery industry in Finland. Through our owner Lantmännen Unibake, we are part of the Swedish farmer-owned Lantmännen conglomerate, one of Europe’s largest players in the bioenergy, machinery, agriculture and food industries. Our turnover in Finland and the Baltics in 2020 was EUR 200 million. www.vaasan.fi

LeaseGreen is an energy efficiency booster for large buildings and a driver for climate action. Lower costs, cleaner returns. Together with our customers, we make the most impactful climate action in Finland – one property at a time. www.leasegreen.com