University of Essex Survey
Published on by Natalie Taylor-Clarke
Survey Solutions used drone surveying at the University of Essex to assess roof space for 1,000+ solar panels—supporting carbon reduction and sustainability goals.
A University of Essex survey was the first step in allowing the organisation to plan sustainability objectives to reduce carbon emissions. The University intends to substantially increase its use of photovoltaic roof panels at its Colchester campus.
Choosing a Drone Survey for Roof Assessment
To assess the feasibility of installing the panels – totalling more than 1000 – Survey Solutions was commissioned to carry out a measured building survey to provide detailed data on the roofs which had been identified. The team chose to undertake the measured building survey using a drone, as it was the quickest and safest method to access each roof.
University of Essex Survey Helps Increase Sustainable Energy Use With Photovoltaic Panels
Iain Farquharson, Sustainability (Energy & Transport) Manager at the University of Essex says: “When we first discussed our requirements with the Survey Solutions team, they suggested that the best way to achieve what we needed was to carry out a drone survey.
“This had a number of significant advantages over a traditional survey, particularly for us as a working campus. By using a drone, not only could we obtain full roof details, it was a safer method than working at height, it removed the need for access to different areas and there was minimal disruption to staff and students. The job could also be completed within two days and didn’t require supervision by our facilities team. Last but not least, it was highly cost-effective and would give us data translated into CAD drawings for long-term use.”
“We have worked with Survey Solutions before but this was the first time using a drone. The work was completed well within the estimated two days and we now have the data to progress the project.”
Sustainability (Energy & Transport) Manager, University of Essex
