Citycon - Solarigo reference story

Citycon is one of the first big customers of Solarigo, founded in 2015, which required trust from both parties. When looking for a supplier, Citycon chose Solarigo first and foremost because of the expertise and professionalism of the sales person - Solarigo’s staff really knew what they were talking about. This is how Citycon and Solarigo were able to start a long-term co-operation designing a greener shopping centre.

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THE CUSTOMER IS KEY

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Citycon decided to invest in renewable energy as part of its sustainability programme. Sustainability and environmental conservation are of great importance to customers, as, according to research, up to 89% of Finns want solar energy*. This shows us that renewable energy is a particularly important value for Finns, and that is why visitors are actively informed about the use of solar energy. Sustainability is more than just a buzzword for the shopping centre's customers, as solar energy directly benefits visitors, for example in the form of air-conditioning during the summer months.

 

The Solarigo solar power plant produces emission-free energy for up to 35 years, and therefore it is important that co-operation with the power plant supplier and maintenance team works perfectly. Citycon's confidence in Solarigo is shown by the fact that their shopping centre IsoKristiina in Lappeenranta has also received its own power plant and the next one will be delivered to the Columbus shopping centre in Vuosaari.
 

CHOOSING A SUPPLIER IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS

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Citycon appreciates Solarigo's operational readiness and the longevity of the systems, because they are of great importance to the profitability of the investment. The maintenance service offered by Solarigo keeps the solar power plant in good condition and guarantees decades of operation at best. When the shopping centre's 2,000 solar panels produce enough energy to power 230 apartments per year, the service and maintenance must be fast and of high quality. The structures of Iso Omena, the requirements of the architects and the challenges caused by the surrounding residential buildings brought complications during the installation phase, but Solarigo passed the demanding challenge with flying colours.

 

The introduction of solar energy has been positively reflected in the certificates received by Citycon. The extension part of Iso Omena has been granted the highest possible, platinum level, LEED environmental certificate, and in 2019 the shopping centre achieved top marks in the BREEAM In-use assessment. The introduction of renewable energy has accelerated Citycon's achievements in creating a more environmentally friendly shopping centre. All of this brings transparency to Citycon's operations and helps the customer to make more sustainable choices, even when visiting a shopping centre.