Fourdeg

Fourdeg offers a smart heating solution aimed at reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in buildings with water radiator-based heating systems. The company was established in 2013 by Markku Makkonen, Jarkko Saunamäki, and Mikko Kaijärvi, a trio of founders with a background in global business from their time at Nokia. They were motivated to create a scalable business model to rapidly address the significant carbon emissions resulting from building heating. In March 2022, Fourdeg was acquired by MeshWorks Wireless Oy, a move intended to accelerate the scaling of its solutions across Europe.

The core of Fourdeg's business is its AI-powered cloud service combined with IoT-enabled thermostats. This system provides predictive, room-by-room temperature control, optimizing energy use based on factors like weather forecasts and building usage patterns. A key feature is its demand-side management technology, which allows buildings to function as virtual thermal batteries. This capability helps stabilize the entire district heating grid by storing heat within the building's structure, reducing demand during peak load times and cutting reliance on costly fossil fuel backups. For energy companies, Fourdeg provides a 3D digital twin of the heating network, enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and management of energy flows. The company's business model is primarily SaaS-based, targeting property owners and district heating providers. For property owners, the service promises energy savings of 20-35% and more stable indoor temperatures. For energy companies, it offers a path to new data-driven services and enhanced grid flexibility.

Fourdeg's solution is designed for easy installation in both new and old buildings, including residential, commercial, and public properties. Its technology has been recognized with multiple awards, including being named a WWF Climate Solver in 2018 for its contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Keywords: smart heating, energy efficiency, district heating, demand side management, building automation, cleantech, SaaS, IoT, proptech, AI-powered heating, virtual thermal battery, digital twin, heating optimization, room-level control, energy savings, CO2 reduction, MeshWorks Wireless, Markku Makkonen