hello energy makes a sustainable leap forward with AWS

hello energy makes a sustainable leap forward with the help of AWS

hello energy, an organization that offers software to owners and users of buildings to make them more sustainable, wanted to migrate to the public cloud. The choice quickly fell on Amazon Web Services (AWS). After coming to the conclusion that there was still too little in-house knowledge about AWS, the founders of hello energy partnered up with CloudNation. CloudNation has helped hello energy further on AWS.

The story of hello energy

hello energy was founded in 2016 by Kees van Alphen and Benno Schwarz. Kees and Benno both have a lot of experience in energy consultancy and they wanted to create more impact. Together they came up with the idea to create software that helps people better understand energy and sustainability. They wanted to make the transition between technology and people. That translation became a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution.

hello energy connects building owners and users to create a positive impact on the environment, deliver green value for investors and tenants and engage everyone in sustainability. The software enables end customers to access sustainability data and build an engaged community around energy and carbon savings. hello energy does not only enable building owners to create a positive impact, but is also increasingly doing more to involve end users. For example, there is a feature that makes monthly challenges possible, there is a carpool feature in the software and a lot of content is available with useful tips and tricks. The software is now available for approximately 800 buildings throughout Europe and is active in 13 countries. hello energy is growing rapidly and has international ambitions.

The challenge

hello energy initially collaborated with an external software provider but aimed to shift software development in-house and transition to the public cloud, presenting a dual challenge. Recognizing their limited in-house cloud expertise, they began seeking assistance. While enrolled in Techleap's Rise Program, hello energy was introduced to AWS, which paved the way for their connection with CloudNation. This led to a successful collaboration and CloudNation executed hello energy's migration to AWS.

“It was a challenge to get the move to the public cloud in a controlled manner. We had to learn a lot about how AWS works. It involved practicing together.” Says Benno Schwarz, CEO and co-founder of hello energy.

Shortly after, Lennert Collée joined hello energy as tech lead, leading to significant progress in the cloud. hello energy was also selected for AWS's Sustainable Cities Accelerator program, one of just nine global participants labeled as 'Companies to Watch.' While the program primarily centers on the United States, it provided hello energy with valuable insights into American business practices and the pace at which companies operate there.

The choice for CloudNation and AWS

hello energy chose AWS, because AWS serves many young and innovative organizations. That really appealed to the founders of hello energy. In addition, AWS has a wide range of services and hello energy finds the intensive partnership with AWS very pleasant. They came into contact with CloudNation via AWS. The click between CloudNation and hello energy led to a collaboration between the two parties.

More impact in the future

With the power of the cloud, hello energy wants to build a solid product that is of high quality and that is simply well organized. They have now also managed to attract people who have AWS expertise. On the one hand, a solid foundation is being built and on the other hand, growth is being built. In the near future, hello energy will use the power of AWS even more to accelerate.

“The space we are in via the business to business market route is still in its infancy. We expect scope3 emissions to become increasingly important. We now want to grow very fast to ensure that we can help more companies and individuals to save CO2.” - Benno Schwarz.

Cloudtip of Benno

“See if it is possible to collaborate with your cloud provider. There are many different programs available that can help you accelerate. And also check whether it is possible to operate multi-cloud, for example. But CloudNation can of course tell you much more about this.”