How we make an impact in commercial and industrial properties
Commercial and industrial properties also offer great potential for more efficient energy use. At ista, we help companies unlock this potential. We make energy consumption transparent and easy to understand, providing the basis for better-informed decisions in day-to-day operations. We also offer a range of photovoltaic solutions that help cut energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
PV project in the UK: first results show strong potential
For the supermarket chain Farmfoods, ista UK commissioned a photovoltaic solution in early 2025. At the logistics centre in Solihull, 1,250 modules installed across 2,460 m² generate solar power that is fully consumed on site.
One year after commissioning, the first results are available: 101 tonnes of CO₂ have been saved. In addition, the system covered 19% of the site’s energy consumption.
ista developed, financed, installed, and operates the system under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Farmfoods purchases the generated electricity under fixed terms, ensuring predictable energy costs. All relevant energy data is integrated into ista’s MinuteView solution, enabling transparent analysis of generation and consumption.
“The results after the first year demonstrate the potential of such solutions. They send a strong signal of how we can measurably reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions together with our customers.”
Oliver Schlodder
CSO Group and member of the ista Management Board
Expanding our presence in Switzerland: a focus on solar power
ista expanded its presence in Switzerland at the start of 2026: Blockstrom AG, based in Bern, joined the ista Group on 4 March. The company specialises in the digital management and billing of energy data, particularly for self-consumption associations (ZEV) – the Swiss equivalent of the model known in Germany as ‘Mieterstrom' (tenant electricity) – as well as solutions for e-mobility.
Blockstrom enables locally generated solar power to be shared and used collectively. Through ZEV, property owners and management companies can reduce energy costs over the long term and increase the cost-effectiveness of their photovoltaic systems.
The acquisition expands ista’s portfolio and enables the company to support customers across the entire energy value chain – from metering and billing to digital energy management. This contributes to greater energy efficiency in the building sector and supports the transition to sustainable heating systems.
Partnership for greater energy efficiency
In autumn 2025, SC Fortuna Köln and ista launched a partnership to improve energy efficiency in the football club’s day-to-day operations. Using our smart heating control system HeatPilot and the energy monitoring solution MinuteView, the club aims to reduce both its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. The resulting savings will be invested directly in the club’s youth development programme.
HeatPilot is installed in the heating control centre of the clubhouse and office building. The solution uses data to optimise existing heating systems and automatically adjusts heat generation to actual demand. This reduces energy consumption and emissions without the need for costly heating system replacements. In a pilot project, HeatPilot reduced annual heating energy consumption by 24.5% (weather-adjusted) and helped avoid a total of 50.3 tonnes of CO₂ over a two-year period.
ista MinuteView also increases transparency. The energy monitoring solution gives the club a clear overview of its energy consumption and supports its sustainability goals through integrated CO₂ reporting.
Solar solution: ista launches its first Solar PV project in Dubai
The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims for 75% of Dubai’s energy to come from clean sources by 2050. Against this backdrop and in view of rising electricity costs, a real estate company owned by Dubai Govt. was looking for a reliable partner to deliver a photovoltaic (PV Solar) project through the Etihad Energy Services Company (acts as a “Super ESCO" of Dubai*). The key challenge was identifying the provider capable of delivering fully integrated solution, rather than supplying hardware alone.
Etihad Esco selected ista to deliver this solution. As the implementation partner, we deliver all key services – from design and installation through to operations and maintenance. This provides the customer with an integrated solution, including transparent performance monitoring and guaranteed energy generation.
ista’s first solar PV system is expected to produce 3.38 GWh of energy in its first year starting in April 2026. Over the full contract period of 8.5 years, a total of 28.17 GWh is expected. That is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of around 2816 households.
“The customer chose us because of ista’s strong technical expertise in energy solutions, our extensive experience in energy efficiency projects, and our ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. In addition, we bring deep expertise in long-term operations and maintenance and have an established presence in the UAE energy market.”
Oliver Sporrer,
Country Manager ista Middle East
*Etihad Energy Services Company (ESCO) in the UAE is a super Esco of Dubai that develops, installs, and arranges financing for projects designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower operational costs in buildings.