Building performance
![]() |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A building's performance (or efficiency) is a measure of how well it functions in relation to designated criteria such as physical, social or environmental considerations. For example, a building's physical efficiency might be evaluated by assessing parameters such as heat loss, energy use, water use, water tightness, structural performance, fire performance and so on. It can also measure whether the resources necessary to design and construct a building have been used effectively.
Assessments can be made for all building types and are particularly important in housing. Concerns about how buildings perform date back at least as far as Neolithic times. Cave dwellers would assess their habitat against criteria such as; shelter from the elements, safety against animal attack, conspicuity, and solar orientation. Similar concerns have preoccupied people ever since, but the list has grown with increasing construction complexity and tighter regulatory requirements.
[edit] Evaluating building performance
Today building performance might be assessed against criteria including:
- Sustainability (are the materials environmentally friendly? How much energy is used to heat/cool the building? How well does the building fabric retain heat (linked to insulation levels and glazing performance)? Is the building water efficient (does it include grey-water recycling)?
- Comfort – can air temperatures, humidity and ventilation achieve a healthy environment?
- Ecology - is there a negative or positive impact on habitats?
- Acoustics – does noise generated by activities in the building adversely affect neighbouring buildings or spaces and vice versa?
- Running costs – how much does it cost to run the building?
- Water tightness – are roofs and openings capable of keeping out rain and other sources of moisture?
- Layout – does the building optimise privacy, sunlight, views, occupant circulation and so on?
- Occupant satisfaction – are the occupants satisfied with the overall resolution of the design?
- Accessibility - is the building easy to use by people with disabilities? Is it safe and secure?
- Society - does the building integrate with and contribute to the local community?
[edit] Building regulations
The first set of national building standards was introduced in 1965. Now known as the Building Regulations, they set out minimum requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction.
For more information see: Building regulations.
[edit] Performance gap
The way some buildings perform when completed may not live up to the designers’ intentions. The difference between anticipated and actual performance may be significant and to the detriment of the occupiers, owners and environment. This is known as the performance gap which, if significant may result in aspects of the construction having to be redone and can lead to legal proceedings.
For more information see: Performance gap
[edit] Performance specifications
Where building contracts include performance specifications, they will describe a particular required outcome, whether a specific U-value, ventilation requirement and so on that has to be achieved. It is then left to the suppliers to deliver those outcomes. In this situation, the nature of the performance required may be defined by the desired outcome, or by reference to standards.
For more information see: Performance specification.
[edit] KPIs
Key performance indicators (KPIs) can provide a method for measuring performance. They can be used to:
- Monitor costs.
- Track progress.
- Assess client satisfaction.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Compare performance across and between projects.
- Assess specific areas of a project such as sustainability, safety, waste management, etc.
If clients intend to measure the performance of suppliers, it is important that KPIs are identified in tender documentation and that the regular provision of the information required to assess them is a requirement of the contract. KPIs may be of particular importance where the contract stipulates that the contractor will be rewarded or penalised based on their performance relative to certain indicators.
For more information see: Key performance indicators.
[edit] Certification
A number of third-party schemes are available to certify the performance of buildings, such as:
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air tightness in buildings.
- BREEAM: The Next Generation.
- Building performance evaluation.
- Building performance evaluation v post-occupancy evaluation.
- Building performance metrics.
- Building running costs.
- Carbon footprint.
- Energy performance certificates.
- Energy use.
- Environmental impact.
- Heat loss.
- Heat transfer.
- Insulation specification.
- KPIs.
- Lifecycle cost.
- Performance gap.
- Service life of products.
- Solar heat gain coefficient.
- The cavity wall real performance question.
- Thermal performance.
- U-value.
- U-What?
Featured articles and news
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.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
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.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.