Drones & 3D Scanning SHDF

Here at Bluelime we have been working with Local Authorities, Housing Associations and their framework contractors to upgrade housing stock in less time. We do that through the integration of the latest technology in our surveying and design processes. Being able to survey properties and design the improvement works (whether social housing, mid-terrace flats or entire high rise flat complexes) in less time brings massive benefits to our clients and helps meet funding deadlines.

Time and cost savings for Local Authorities and Housing Associations

Currently we are delivering considerable time and cost savings to several Housing Associations and their framework contractors on national government funded schemes such as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and External Refurbishment Programme.

Typically Local Authorities, Housing Associations and their framework contractors will split these services using a building surveying company to do the surveys and architects to do the designs. Doing things this way can be inefficient and costly as more and more service providers are added to the process.

Through continual investment in our own 3D terrestrial scanners and drones coupled with extensive staff training and UAS pilot licensing we are able to undertake the entire survey and design process in-house. That means we can deploy the right team with company owned equipment in record time precisely where it is needed - even at short notice. With one of our UK top five housing association clients we have been able to achieve a five day turn around from survey, through design to planning application. This has been ground-breaking for our client as previously it was taking around four weeks.

With Bluelime undertaking the survey and design process in-house, not only will you save time, you will also reduce cost. Not only that, the designs you get are super accurate. Everything is done in-house, making the process simpler, more efficient and accurate.

SHDF works in shorter time frames and with reduced costs

When performing SHDF works, it’s vital to produce before and after thermal performance surveys to ensure all energy inefficiencies are resolved successfully. At Bluelime, our DJI Mavic 3T drones are equipped with thermal imaging technology, enabling us to quickly determine the key areas for improvement and the efficacy of the work carried out.

There’s no need for us to enter the property, meaning up to 10 properties can be surveyed per day. In addition, areas that are traditionally hard to access pose fewer issues and data is accurate, meaning a works justification can be supplied in five working days.

But, of course its not only about how we deliver your housing stock upgrades better and in less time, its also how we present the critical data you need on your housing stock moving forward.

Using the latest software platforms you can have real time condition data on every single property you are responsible for in literally milliseconds. Whether that’s images of missing flashings or rotten windows its all there in one easy to use platform. You can even measure the materials or sizes of windows to be replaced from inside the software – there’s no need to visit the site with distos and tape measures. Save time, money and carbon by doing the work from your desktop.

The process

Our in-house surveyors and drone pilots organise the necessary flight permits and scan your property. We’ll then produce a point cloud, align it and check its accuracy. This enables us to produce elevations and 2D and 3D plans, identifying defects and necessary works.

After working with supply chains to produce schedules, we develop the proposed elevations and plans in 2D and 3D. We then complete and submit the necessary Design & Access and Heritage Statements. Once approval is given from the planning office and building control, we can begin the work on-site.

Once to project is complete, we carry out thermal imaging to ensure it has been successful.

Digital twins can play a significant role in helping housing associations comply with the Building Safety Act in several ways:

Visualization and Monitoring: Digital twins provide a virtual representation of physical buildings. Housing associations and Local Authorities can use these models to visualize and monitor the condition of their properties in real-time. This allows them to identify potential safety hazards, such as structural issues or fire risks, and take proactive measures to address them.

Data Integration: Digital twins can integrate data from various sources, including sensors, IoT devices, and historical records. This data can be used to assess the safety of a building comprehensively. For example, sensors can detect changes in temperature, humidity, or air quality that might indicate a fire hazard or other safety concern. It is essential that such detection systems are identified and mapped accurately within the digital twin with exact details being represented in digital CAD files as part of the submission to the Building Safety Regulator.

Risk Assessment: Housing associations and Local Authorities can use digital twins to perform risk assessments more effectively. By simulating different scenarios, they can identify potential safety risks and prioritize necessary improvements. This is crucial for complying with the Building Safety Act's requirement to assess and manage risks in residential buildings.

Maintenance and Repairs: Digital twins can assist in planning and executing maintenance and repair activities more efficiently. Housing associations and Local Authorities can schedule inspections and repairs based on the digital twin's recommendations, ensuring that safety-critical elements are regularly checked and maintained.

Communication and Collaboration: Digital twins facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including housing association and local authority staff, contractors, and regulatory authorities. All parties can access the digital twin to review building information, safety assessments, and maintenance records, promoting transparency and accountability.

Training and Emergency Preparedness: Housing associations and local authorities can use digital twins for training purposes, such as simulating emergency situations. This helps staff and residents understand safety protocols and respond effectively in case of a safety incident.

Compliance Reporting: The Building Safety Act requires housing associations and local authorities to submit safety reports and documentation regularly. Digital twins can streamline the process by providing accurate, up-to-date information that can be easily extracted and included in compliance reports.

Future-Proofing: As regulations and safety standards evolve, digital twins can be updated to reflect these changes. This ensures that housing associations and local authorities remain compliant with the latest safety requirements.

Data Analytics: Digital twins can analyse historical data to identify trends and patterns related to building safety. This data-driven approach can help housing associations and local authorities make informed decisions about safety improvements and investments.

Resident Engagement: Housing associations and local authorities can use digital twins to engage with residents regarding building safety. Providing residents with access to digital twin data and safety information fosters a sense of transparency and community involvement.

In summary, digital twins offer housing associations and local authorities a powerful tool to enhance building safety compliance under the Building Safety Act. By providing a comprehensive and real-time view of their properties, housing associations and local authorities can proactively address safety concerns, streamline reporting, and ultimately ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.