Leveraging As-Built Surveys to Meet Green Building Certifications

Green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM are more than badges of sustainability. They also enhance property value, lower operating costs, and attract environmentally conscious tenants or buyers. Green-certified buildings have been shown to hold nearly 20% higher asset value than traditional properties1. However, getting certified requires more than just eco-friendly designs; it requires an accurate, detailed understanding of the building. That’s where as-built surveys come into play. At ARC, we specialize in providing precise as built services, giving you the insights needed to meet green building standards, boost your building’s value, and position it as a leader in sustainability.

What Are As-Built Surveys?

An as-built survey is a detailed record of a building’s actual condition post-construction. Unlike design drawings, which represent the intent of the architect or engineer, as-built surveys reflect the real-world changes and deviations that occur during construction. These surveys capture the location and configuration of structural components, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and any other building elements that may have shifted from the original plans. The primary purpose of an as-built survey is to provide an accurate and current representation of a building’s condition. This data is often presented in formats compatible with BIM models, making it easier for architects, engineers, and contractors to work with. As one of the country’s leading scan to BIM companies, ARC ensures that your as-built data is delivered with the precision needed for maintenance, future renovations, and green building certifications. Whether a building is newly constructed or undergoing a retrofit, as-built surveys serve as the foundation for understanding its sustainability potential.

How As-Built Surveys Support Green Building Certification

As-built surveys play a key role in helping buildings meet green certification requirements by providing an accurate snapshot of the building as it stands today. This data is critical for ensuring that all aspects of the structure meet sustainability standards, from energy use to material management.

Energy Performance and Efficiency

One of the biggest components of green certifications is energy efficiency. As-built surveys document how HVAC systems, insulation, and energy-saving technologies are installed, allowing for detailed energy modeling. This ensures that the building meets energy performance criteria for certifications like LEED.

Material Management and Waste Reduction

Sustainable construction also means minimizing waste and using eco-friendly materials. As-built surveys might keep track of the types of materials used and how they were applied, helping confirm that the project adheres to green building standards for waste reduction and material sourcing.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Certifications often look at indoor air quality, natural lighting, and temperature control to ensure the building promotes a healthy environment. As-built surveys document key details about ventilation, lighting, and HVAC systems, ensuring the building meets indoor environmental quality standards.

Water Efficiency

Water conservation is another important part of green certifications. As-built surveys verify that systems like low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting are installed correctly, ensuring the building meets water efficiency goals.

Site Sustainability

Finally, sustainable site features like green roofs or stormwater management systems need to be accurately documented. As-built surveys help confirm these site improvements, which are important for reducing the building's environmental impact. In short, as-built surveys provide the essential data needed to confirm that a building meets the sustainability criteria for green certifications.

The Importance of Accurate and Timely As-Built Surveys in Certification Processes

When pursuing green building certification, you must be precise. Even minor discrepancies in as-built documentation can lead to missed certification credits or costly revisions. For example, an energy-efficient system that is incorrectly documented may not receive the full recognition it deserves during the certification process, delaying or even jeopardizing certification altogether. Regularly updating as-built surveys is equally important, especially during renovations or retrofits. As a building evolves, its systems and infrastructure may change, and these updates need to be reflected in the as-built documentation to ensure continued compliance with green certification standards. Keeping as-built records up to date ensures that future certification processes go smoothly and that the building continues to meet sustainability goals.

Technologies That Enhance As-Built Survey Accuracy

Leading scan-to-BIM companies like ARC leverage advanced technologies such as laser scanning and 3D modeling to produce highly accurate as-built surveys. Laser scanning lets us capture millions of data points, creating a precise digital representation of the building’s structure and systems. This level of detail is essential for ensuring that every component is accurately documented, reducing the risk of errors in the certification process.

Long-Term Benefits of As-Built Surveys for Green Building Certifications

The value of as-built surveys extends far beyond the initial certification process. Buildings that achieve green certifications tend to have higher property values, as they are seen as more sustainable and cost-efficient. Furthermore, these buildings typically experience reduced operational costs thanks to energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and streamlined maintenance processes enabled by detailed documentation. Moreover, green-certified buildings are more marketable to sustainability-focused investors and tenants. At ARC, we understand the importance of precision and accuracy in as-built surveys. Our expertise in as-built services and building documentation ensures that your project is ready to meet the stringent requirements of green building certifications, delivering long-term sustainability and value.

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