Rethink renovations: How NavVis Technology shapes a sustainable future

A game-changing project conducted by our customer JTM Construction, in collaboration with James Strand and a prominent University in the US, explored how NavVis Tech can help with measuring embodied carbon in existing buildings and making informed decisions regarding renovations.

When deciding the fate of old buildings, a crucial question arises: should they be renovated or demolished and rebuilt?

While demolition might seem like the easier option, it often comes with significant environmental consequences. To address this, our customer, JTM Construction, partnered with James Strand, an advocate of sustainable practices within the built environment and a recent graduate from the University of Washington College of Built Environments, together with a prominent University in the US on an innovative project designed to leverage advanced measurement tools to improve knowledge in the balance and reduction of environmental and carbon impacts in existing building design and decision-making.

Why renovation wins for the planet

Renovating rather than demolishing old buildings can substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. How? Demolition and new construction release the carbon dioxide stored in existing materials, ending the cycle of carbon invested in that material and building, requiring significant energy and new emissions for the materials required in the replacement building. By reusing materials and buildings, we avoid new expenditures in embodied or upfront carbon emissions. This is where NavVis plays a crucial role, providing advanced technology that makes renovation both sustainable and smarter. NavVis supports the initial Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)—a method to evaluate the environmental impact of a building throughout its lifecycle— by providing a nimble and precise pathway for the assessment of building and materials, enabling informed, eco-friendly decision-making from the start, as demonstrated by the outcomes of the project completed by JTM Construction and James Strand with the renowned US University.

Left side: BIM model generated from the point cloud of the university library. Right Side: Point cloud and BIM model of the university library shown in NavVis IVION.

NavVis Technology:
Accelerating processes and laying the foundation for LCA

1. Fast and accurate geometric data capture
   At the core of the project was the NavVis VLX, an industry-leading, wearable dynamic scanning system. It enabled the team to conduct precise scans of each building in record time, capturing detailed geometric data with unmatched accuracy. The ability to rapidly map complex architectural structures allowed the team to move quickly into analysis without compromising on precision.
2. Reality Access with NavVis IVION
   Once the data was captured, it was uploaded to NavVis IVION, NavVis’ cloud-based visualization platform. This powerful tool offered the team fast and efficient access to site conditions, enabling remote collaboration and real-time decision-making. Stakeholders could view, explore, and interact with the building, reducing the need for repeated site visits and streamlining workflows.
3. Accelerating the modeling process
   With NavVis laying the foundation, JTM leveraged our ecosystem partner IPX to convert the point cloud data into a detailed 3d model using their BIMIT service. This collaboration allowed the team to seamlessly generate an LOD 300 model with segmented elements for input into various LCA tools. By leveraging IPX’s expertise, the project team gained access to BIM models quickly, saving time and resources.

As a result, NavVis solutions were instrumental in generating a precise and detailed BIM model. This BIM model was then utilized by James Strand and the University to conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations. This project not only delivered insights into the sustainability of building reuse but also showcased how technology can transform workflows and make advanced methodologies accessible.

Looking ahead:
Shaping a greener future

This project exemplifies how NavVis technology can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. By empowering researchers and stakeholders with precision tools, efficient workflows, and collaborative platforms, NavVis is enabling a new era of sustainable building practices. As the world focuses on achieving net-zero goals, NavVis is proud to support its customers in creating solutions that not only preserve the past but also build a more sustainable future.