Building engineering physics
![]() |
Building engineering physics relates to the energy performance of buildings and their indoor and outdoor environments. By properly understanding and applying building engineering physics, it is possible to develop high performance buildings that are comfortable and functional, and to minimise the environmental impacts of their construction and operation.
The idea of a new discipline of building engineering physics was introduced by the Royal Academy of Engineering in a report 'Engineering a low carbon built environment – The discipline of building engineering physics', published in January 2010.
The report suggested that: 'The UK will not be able to achieve its target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 unless it urgently addresses carbon emissions from the built environment. Buildings currently account for 45% of our carbon emissions but it is estimated that 80% of the buildings we will be occupying in 2050 have already been built. '
Building engineering physics is a convergence of the disciplines of building services engineering, applied physics and building construction engineering. It is more focused than the related subjects of building science or 'building physics' and considers more broadly our knowledge of the physical behaviour of buildings and their impact on energy efficiency, comfort, health, safety, durability and so on.
The principal aspects of building engineering physics include:
- Thermal performance.
- Acoustics.
- Air movement.
- Climate.
- Construction technology.
- Building services.
- Control of moisture.
- Lighting.
The Royal Academy of Engineering report suggested that the motivation for promoting a new discipline was driven by a historic lack of awareness or recognition by built environment practitioners of the importance of building engineering physics, and a lack of understanding about how to apply the principles in building design.
This in part, they believe, was because building projects are traditionally led by architects rather than engineers, and strategic design decisions do not adequately address building energy performance.
This issue has to some extent been addressed by the introduction of building engineering physics to many architecture degree courses. Building services engineers also commonly undertake building engineering physics modules as part of their training.
The benefits of building engineering physics include:
- Capital cost reduction: Better design decisions and reduced design fees.
- Operating cost reduction: Energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills and lower exposure to energy price rises.
- Creative design focused on real-life building performance rather than compliance.
- Occupant satisfaction: High performance buildings can result in better productivity and comfort of the occupants.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air conditioning.
- Building management systems.
- Building pathology.
- Building science.
- Heat transfer.
- HVAC.
- Lighting and energy efficiency.
- Mechanical and electrical.
- Renewable energy.
- Retrofit.
- The business case for adapting buildings to climate change.
- The science of lifts.
- Thermal comfort.
- Ventilation.
[edit] External references
- Royal Academy of Engineering - Engineering a low carbon built environment
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.