Energy renovation in Switzerland: 3D surveys and BIM models at the heart of transformation projects

Why energy renovation starts with a precise understanding of the building

In Switzerland, energy-efficient renovation of buildings is accelerating sharply. Property owners, local authorities, condominium owners, property management companies and investors now have to improve the thermal performance of a building stock that is often old, converted several times and sometimes poorly documented.

In the field, one observation is regularly made: the plans available no longer correspond to reality. Partitions have been moved, attics converted, technical rooms modified, façades transformed or installations replaced without a complete update of the original documents.

In this context, energy studies quickly become complex. Even before talking about perimeter insulation, photovoltaic panels, dual-flow ventilation or heat pumps, it is essential to have a reliable existing situation.

This is precisely where 3D laser surveying and BIM modelling come into their own.

At 3D Scan Bat, we support energy renovation projects in Switzerland through the complete digitisation of existing buildings, the creation of architectural plans and the production of BIM models tailored to the needs of architects and engineers.

Why 3D surveying has become indispensable in energy renovation

For a long time, building surveys were carried out manually using traditional methods. For simple buildings, this approach was sufficient. But in the context of modern energy renovation, technical requirements have evolved considerably.

Today's projects require precise coordination between a number of players: architects, CVSE engineers, thermal specialists, façade contractors, BIM offices, photovoltaic installers and CECB experts.

They all work from the same geometric data. If these data are approximate, the errors have repercussions throughout the project.

The 3D laser survey captures the complete reality of the building with a particularly high level of precision. Volumes, heights, façades, roofs, openings, levels, technical rooms and visible structures are recorded in the form of a cloud of points that can be used in CAD and BIM software.

This approach means that approximations can be kept to a minimum and that the design phases before the start of the works are more secure.

Reliable plans for energy studies

In many energy renovation projects, the first problems arise when it comes to checking the surface areas and volumes of the building.

A difference of just a few centimetres on a roof, façade or level can have a direct impact on thermal calculations, insulation quantities, photovoltaic studies or technical connections.

The plans resulting from the 3D survey enable work to be carried out on a much more coherent basis. Architects and engineers then have precise documents with which to prepare the building's alterations.

At 3D Scan Bat, plans are generally produced in DWG and PDF format from a 3D model of the existing building. This method ensures greater overall consistency between the various deliverables and makes it easier to adapt the project in the future.

BIM model and energy renovation: a new way of managing existing buildings

Energy renovation is no longer just about improving the thermal performance of a building. It now involves genuine digital coordination of the project.

The BIM model makes it possible to centralise all the building's geometric information in a single environment. This means that the various parties involved can work on the same digital basis, without having to constantly redo measurements or interpret obsolete plans.

In complex energy renovation projects, this approach becomes particularly important when several trades are involved simultaneously. Technical engineers can integrate their installations directly into the existing model, check available space and anticipate technical conflicts before the works begin.

This logic reduces errors, improves coordination and enables much faster decision-making.

We work mainly with REVIT, ARCHICAD and IFC formats to ensure compatibility with the BIM workflows used by architectural and engineering practices in Switzerland.

Roofs, façades and photovoltaics: the importance of accurate geometry

Roofs and façades often play a central role in energy renovation projects. Perimeter insulation, window replacement, solar installations or loft conversions all require a precise knowledge of the building's geometry.

The 3D laser survey can be used to document actual roof deformations, existing pitches, chimneys, dormers, gutters and connections between buildings.

For photovoltaic studies, this precision becomes particularly useful in order to correctly evaluate the exploitable surfaces and the existing technical constraints.

Façades can also be accurately surveyed in preparation for thermal studies, envelope renovations or permit applications.

In the case of older buildings or buildings that have been converted several times, this documentation is often essential.

Energy renovation and old buildings in Switzerland

A large proportion of Switzerland's building stock was constructed before the current energy standards. Many buildings today have complex configurations resulting from successive transformations over several decades.

In this type of project, the historical plans no longer necessarily correspond to the reality on the ground. Levels have sometimes been modified, technical ducts added, rooms merged or structures transformed without a complete update of the original documents.

The 3D survey can then be used to reconstruct an accurate image of the existing building before the energy studies begin.

This approach is particularly useful for older buildings, hotels, administrative buildings, industrial buildings, condominiums or listed buildings requiring delicate technical work.

CEBS, thermal analyses and digital building documentation

As part of energy renovations in Switzerland, the CECB and CECB Plus procedures are playing an increasingly important role.

These studies require reliable data on surfaces, volumes and the actual geometry of the building. When existing documents are incomplete or inaccurate, analyses become more difficult and sometimes less relevant.

The 3D laser survey provides a consistent basis for energy specialists and improves the overall quality of the studies carried out.

The cross-sections, plans, façades and BIM models produced by the survey then facilitate exchanges between the various project stakeholders.

A single digital database for all stakeholders

One of the main advantages of 3D surveying and BIM in energy renovation is the centralisation of information.

Instead of multiplying measurements and interpretations, all those involved are working on a common digital basis.

Architects, technical engineers, thermal specialists, general contractors and building owners all have access to consistent documentation throughout the project.

This method not only improves the quality of the design, but also site management and cost control.

3D Scan Bat services for energy renovation projects

We carry out interior and exterior 3D laser surveys of existing buildings throughout Switzerland. Depending on the needs of the project, we produce architectural plans, sections, façades, roof plans and BIM models compatible with the main software on the market.

Point clouds can be delivered in E57, RCP/RCS or LAS formats. The models are generally produced in REVIT, ARCHICAD or IFC, depending on the needs of the commissioning office.

We also offer technical virtual visits, enabling project teams to view the building remotely and check certain elements without having to visit the site.

Why this approach is gradually becoming the norm

Modern energy renovation is now based on a precise digital understanding of what already exists.

3D surveys and BIM models help to reduce errors, cut down on rework, improve coordination and make technical decisions more reliable right from the start of the project.

In complex or old buildings, this approach often becomes essential if coherent and controlled energy renovation is to be carried out.