Building performance evaluation in domestic buildings
In December 2016, BSRIA published a new Building Performance Evaluation in Domestic Buildings Guide (BG64/2016).
BSRIA claim the industry is still ‘missing the mark’ on developing efficient homes and other residential buildings, despite the best of intentions, with an increasing body of recent academic and industry research revealing that they do not always perform in the way that was originally intended.
Building performance evaluation (BPE) is the process of evaluating how a building performs in use, and can be carried out on both new and existing buildings. It attempts to identify energy inefficiencies and occupant dissatisfaction that result from not performing in accordance with design intentions.
The guide is intended to support the industry by explaining how to use BPE to understand how homes and other residential buildings are performing, and to investigate and address any issues.
It serves as a general introduction to BPE, explaining why it is important, how it can be carried out, and how people can benefit from it, and is aimed at clients, designers, developers, contractors, housing associations and social landlords.
Dr Michelle Agha-Hossein, BSRIA’s Sustainability Consultant, said:
“This guide explains how BPE should be carried out and what activities and methods can be used on projects to address issues related to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. If you are to deliver an efficient and healthy building, we recommend that you to get your copy.”
You can download or purchase the guide at BSRIA Bookshop.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building performance evaluation BPE.
- Building performance evaluation in non-domestic buildings guide – an introduction to the tests and methods in non-domestic buildings.
- Building performance metrics.
- Domestic building.
- Extended aftercare.
- Handover to client.
- Lessons learned report.
- Maintenance.
- Performance in use.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.