App to help reduce energy use by 10%

A mobile app has been developed that will help more than 200,000 homes in Sweden to reduce their energy consumption.

Greenely, the firm behind the internationally awarded app, is working with the Swedish SBAB Bank to provide the households with the technology. The app, known as  ‘The Energy Tree’, analyses large amounts of data from the smart power grid to discover trends in households’ energy behaviours, and encourages users to consume less energy through personalised feedback and guidance. Greenely is supported and financed by KIC InnoEnergy, as well as the KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

‘The Energy Tree’ combines behavioural science and gamification with data analytics to engage and motivate households. By entering their energy consumption data into the user-friendly and accessible app consumers can realise a potential 10% reduction in energy use.

Commenting Kenneth Johansson, CEO of KIC InnoEnergy Sweden, said: “Consumers are more aware of how the energy industry operates than ever before, and it is clear that they want more control of their energy use. The Energy Tree gives Sweden’s consumers the power to have a positive impact on their energy use, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint and their utility bill.”

Supported by the KIC InnoEnergy Highway programme, which works with promising start-ups in the field of energy, the app has already been tested in around 700 households in a collaboration with the Swedish utility Mälarenergi.

The app will be available for all SBAB’s home mortgage customers before the year-end.