Building performance evaluation v post-occupancy evaluation
Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) is a form of Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) which can be used at any point in a building's life to assess energy performance and occupant comfort and to make comparisons with design targets.
Post occupancy evaluation (POE) is the process of evaluating a completed development to determine:
- How successful its delivery was.
- How successful the completed development is.
- Where there is potential for further improvement
- What lessons can be learned for future projects.
BSRIA suggest that “Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) constitutes the activities of the BPE process once the building is occupied and in use, focussing on the operational performance and the occupants of the building. It is important to know to what extent the building maintains its occupants’ satisfaction and perceived comfort. To do this in a systematic and structured way, post-occupancy evaluation (POE) can be employed as a major part of BPE. This would involve collecting feedback (soft data) from the occupants through survey questionnaires, interviews and / or workshops, ideally at least one year after building occupation to cover at least on seasonal cycle.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building performance evaluation.
- Building performance evaluation in non-domestic buildings guide – an introduction to the tests and methods in non-domestic buildings.
- Building performance metrics.
- Client commissioning.
- Defects liability period.
- Extended aftercare.
- Handover to client.
- Initial aftercare.
- Lessons learned report.
- Performance in use.
- Post occupancy evaluation.
- Post project review.
- Smart meters and building performance evaluation.
- Snagging.
- Soft landings.
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.