Building services engineering for renovation: Lifecycle durability and energy savings
Professional building services engineering design ensures successful renovation projects that extend the building’s lifecycle, improve energy efficiency, and help maintain the property’s value.
Experts in building services engineering for renovation
Sweco’s building services experts provide comprehensive expertise for renovation design in projects of all sizes, covering HVAC, electrical engineering, building automation, energy design, and demolition planning. We understand construction methods from different eras as well as modern renovation techniques. Thorough condition assessments and preliminary studies are a key part of successful refurbishments, space modifications, and extensions.
Reducing risks in renovation through expert design
Our building services designers help manage common renovation risks, such as over- or under-renovation and unexpected costs arising during construction. Changes throughout the building lifecycle can be anticipated through energy and lifecycle design, as well as adaptable building services solutions, such as optimized building automation. Flexible technical systems ensure user satisfaction, preserve property value, and support rental income.
The role of building services in renovation
The role of building services in renovation
The carbon footprint of renovation is typically smaller than that of new construction. Refurbishing existing buildings and upgrading their systems reduces the need for new construction. Multi-objective optimization in building services design helps balance cost and schedule targets alongside sustainability considerations, including quality, safety, user well-being, and carbon footprint.
Environmental impacts can be reduced through CO₂ calculations, low-emission product choices, smart control of technical systems, and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. Renovation projects can also include the design of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and circular economy solutions.
Baseline data through digital solutions
A common challenge in renovation projects is insufficient initial data. Our experts generate accurate measurement data of buildings and their technical systems using digital solutions such as Matterport imaging, drone surveys, and laser scanning. We also conduct thermal imaging as well as airtightness and indoor condition measurements.
Digital imaging and measurement methods enable the creation of a digital twin, improving construction quality and reducing surprises during execution. These tools also reduce the need for site visits, as many details can be verified digitally. Digital data also supports maintenance and facility management.
The initial condition can also be assessed using the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI), which evaluates how prepared a building is to utilize smart building technologies. Smart systems can improve occupant comfort, energy efficiency, and demand response capability.
Condition assessments and investigations
We carry out a wide range of condition assessments, detailed investigations, and energy audits in renovation projects. Evaluations can cover the entire property, involving experts in HVAC, electrical, and structural engineering. We also perform targeted assessments focusing on specific systems, such as building automation, electrical systems, heating, drainage, ventilation, or indoor conditions.
Technical Due Diligence
Technical due diligence (TDD) is a technical assessment of a property that provides insight into its current condition, repair backlog, technical risks, and future capital (CAPEX) and operational (OPEX) costs. In addition to TDD, we offer Environmental Due Diligence (EDD) and comprehensive TEDD assessments that combine technical and environmental perspectives.
Sweco’s building engineering services
- HVAC design
- Electrical design
- Building automation design
- Telecommunications, security and AV design
- Lighting design
- Fire safety engineering
- Energy design
- Indoor air remediation design
- Water treatment design
- Lifecycle design
- Preliminary studies and project planning, including due diligence
- Condition assessments and detailed investigations
- Energy audits
- Quality assurance, including moisture and cleanliness management
- Survey services, including drone and thermal imaging and laser scanning
- Indoor condition measurements (temperature, humidity, CO₂)
- Demolition design
- Construction management and supervision for building services