Energy renovation and refurbishment: understanding the process and the role of 3D surveys
Against a backdrop of energy transition and the fight against waste, the energy renovation of buildings has become a priority issue in Switzerland. Insulation, efficient heating, reducing emissions: these targeted measures can improve the comfort of occupants over the long term, while at the same time reducing bills. But before any renovation can be carried out, it's important to have a thorough understanding of what already exists.
A 3D survey is more than just measuring: it is a true digital photograph of the building. This exhaustive capture makes it possible to identify areas of heat loss, structural constraints and heritage features that need to be preserved. Thanks to this approach, 3D Scan Bat provides project owners and design offices with a reliable database that feeds directly into the CECB Plus audits. The advantage is twofold: it reduces technical uncertainties and provides greater certainty when making renovation choices. This initial precision determines the overall success of the project, while guaranteeing savings and greater energy sustainability.
This is where the 3D survey comes in, a key stage in establishing a reliable diagnosis and structuring an effective renovation plan. This article explains how an energy renovation project is organised, and how our service fits into the process.
In Switzerland, the accuracy of the initial data is a decisive factor for the successful energy renovation. A complete 3D survey avoids inaccuracies in measurements, which are often responsible for cost overruns or delays. It also provides an official documentation base that can be shared with all those involved, guaranteeing a common understanding of the project and smooth coordination between architects, engineers, CECB experts and specialist contractors.
⏱️Résumé in 20 seconds
To renovate a building with 60 flats, 3D Scan Bat carried out a 3D survey in 3 days, providing the technical basis for the energy diagnosis and the renovation plan.
Why renovate a building today?
Against a backdrop of climate crisis and rising energy costs, energy renovation is becoming a strategic issue. In Switzerland, buildings are responsible for more than 40 % of energy consumption. To reduce this footprint, the cantons, including Vaud, Geneva and Fribourg, are actively supporting energy renovation initiatives through subsidies and progressive regulation.
An energy audit allows :
- from reduce energy costs (heating, electricity) ;
- from extend service life of a building ;
- from enhancing the value of our real estate assets;
- d'access public funding via cantonal programmes.
Financial assistance from the cantons and the federal government is often conditional on the provision of accurate and compliant documents. A 3D millimetric survey facilitates this stage by immediately producing certifiable plans and surfaces. This technical rigour secures the submission of grant applications and reduces the risk of rejection. At the same time, it enables the design to be optimised by incorporating the structural, regulatory and accessibility constraints specific to the building in question from the outset.
In practice, experience shows that the majority of rejected applications concern inaccurate plans or poorly documented surface areas. With a 3D millimetric surveyWith 3D Scan Bat, these problems disappear: every square metre can be certified and every façade can be validated without dispute. 3D Scan Bat supports its customers at this stage by providing not only the surveys but also the formats required by the authorities (DWG/PDF plans, IFC mock-ups). This rigour speeds up the processing of applications and increases the chances of obtaining cantonal and federal subsidies, a competitive advantage for any energy renovation project.
The typical energy renovation process
Energy renovation is generally based on a CECB Plus studyA complete audit of the building's condition and energy performance.
Here are the key stages:
- Initial assessment and survey The design is often based on a precise 3D survey of the existing building.
- Energy analysis (CECB or CECB Plus) Diagnosis of the envelope and installations.
- Proposed renovation options These are accompanied by estimates of costs, energy savings and return on investment.
- Apply for a grant To be submitted prior to the works.
- Coordinated work according to an overall plan integrating the various disciplines (insulation, heating, asbestos removal, etc.).
The contribution of 3D surveying to energy renovation
At 3D Scan Batwe can help upstream of any energy renovation projectby creating a complete 3D survey of the existing building. This technical database enables all those involved - design offices, CECB experts, architects, building owners - to work with reliable, accurate and up-to-date data.
3D surveying makes it easier :
- the faithful modelling of the envelope (roof, facades, interior volumes),
- the preparation of energy audits type CECB Plus,
- the coordination of work (asbestos removal, ventilation, insulation, heating),
- the reducing unforeseen eventsThis is made possible by the visualisation of technical constraints.
Another concrete benefit is the logistical planning of construction sites. The 3D survey makes it easier to identify sensitive areas, such as restricted access, cramped technical spaces, boiler rooms or service ducts. This visual information, integrated into the digital modelsThese systems enable site teams to anticipate constraints and coordinate their work. The result: fewer on-site conflicts, less wasted time and improved team safety. For project owners, this approach significantly reduces financial and operational risks, while ensuring total transparency with specialist contractors.
Integration of 3D surveys in BIM
Integrating a 3D survey into a BIM workflow (Building Information Modeling) makes it possible to centralise all technical information in a single model. This model becomes the common reference for all those involved, facilitating coordination and the detection of any conflicts between disciplines. The data from the survey can be used in Revit, Archicad or Vectorworks. This ensures optimum compatibility and considerably reduces the risk of errors during the planning and execution of the work.
A technical basis for the coordinated remediation plan
The energy renovation plan is based on reliable data: condition of the envelope, geometry, access, clearance, presence of asbestos, type of accommodation, etc.
Thanks to our :
- the DWG and PDF drawings extracted from the cloud of points allow design offices to work directly,
- a 3D IFC model can also be provided if coordination is carried out via a BIM platform,
- the useful surfaces can be calculated for grant applications.
NB: At 3D Scan Bat, we take measurements by 3D scan specially designed to make it easier to obtain CECB Plus certification. These services include the production of clouds of points, 2D plans and 3D models that can be used by the commissioned experts. To find out more, visit our page dedicated to measuring for the CECB Plus certification
Preparing for asbestos removal
Before any energy renovation, the possible presence of asbestos must be identified. A detailed 3D survey allows you to pinpoint the areas to be inspected and optimise the sampling carried out by the specialists. By providing clear plans and interactive 3D views, it is easier for asbestos removal teams to plan their work, improve safety and reduce the duration of this critical phase of the project.
Optimising lead times and reducing costs with 3D surveying
L'3D survey integration in an energy renovation project not only means greater precision, but also measurable time savings. By centralising all the data at an early stage, renovation variants can be simulated more quickly and validated without delay. This anticipation avoids duplication of on-site work and reduces unforeseen events during the construction phase. 3D Scan Bat's experience shows that this methodology can reduce coordination times by several weeks and limit unforeseen cost overruns, guaranteeing more efficient management of the overall budget.
Case study: complete survey for the renovation of an 8-storey building
As part of an energy renovation project for a 8-storey residential building comprising approximately 60 flatswe produced a exhaustive 3D survey on site.
Intervention details :
3 scanner teams mobilised simultaneously during 3 days ;
over 1,000 scans performedfully covering floors, facades and roof ;
coordination with an asbestos removal companywho is present on site to take samples at the same time;
data delivered in the form of a point cloud2D plans and digital mock-up, ready to be integrated into the CECB Plus study.
Result:
This survey enabled :
a precise modelling of the building, including in complex technical areas,
a reliable energy diagnostics based on exact dimensions,
a optimising lead times thanks to the pooling of services,
a unique basis for work for CEBS experts, engineers and building owners.
Experience shows that projects that include a 3D survey beforehand reduce contingencies by 20 to 30 % during the construction phase. By centralising all the data in a single model, it becomes possible to simulate different renovation variants, compare their energy and financial impact, and quickly validate the choices made. This collaborative, visual approach improves the overall quality of the project, while promoting clear communication between all the players involved.
📌 The plans from this survey are shown below to illustrate the quality and level of detail provided.
Property development and certification
As well as improving energy efficiency, a 3D survey combined with a complete renovation can increase the market value of an asset. Future buyers or investors appreciate the transparency and precise documentation of the building's condition. This technical basis can also be used to obtain environmental certifications such as Minergie or SNBS, which reinforce the credibility of the project and facilitate access to certain financial incentives or tax advantages offered in Switzerland.
In the final analysis, 3D surveying is an essential strategic tool to reconcile energy performance, budget control and quality of construction. In Switzerland, where regulations and the expectations of cantonal authorities are demanding, having reliable data from the outset is a decisive advantage. 3D Scan Bat supports its customers throughout this process, ensuring that deliverables are compatible with business tools and guaranteeing usable documentation over the long term. Whether for residential buildings, public buildings or heritage projects, this approach provides security, rigour and transparency.
Frequently asked questions about energy renovation
What work is eligible for energy-efficiency grants in Switzerland?
Eligible work includes thermal insulation (facades, roofs), window replacement, installation of heat pumps, dual-flow ventilation and CECB Plus audits. Applications for subsidies must be made before the start of work.
What is the difference between a CEBS and a CEBS Plus?
Le CECB (Certificat Énergétique Cantonal des Bâtiments) is an energy label. The CECB Plusgoes further, proposing several renovation optionsincluding profitability calculations, subsidies and planning.
Do I need to take a precise reading to get an EPCC Plus?
Yes, a 3D survey or reliable plans are needed for the expert to be able to draw up appropriate renovation proposals. Our 3D laser scan provides this high-quality geometric base.
Can asbestos removal be combined with energy renovation?
Absolutely. During an energy renovation project, it's common to call in an asbestos removal expert, especially for buildings built before 1991. Our service fits in perfectly with this overall coordination.
