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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.





















