Post occupancy evaluation process
BREEAM UK New Construction, Non-domestic Buildings (United Kingdom), Technical Manual, SD5078: BREEAM UK New Construction 2018 3.0, published by BRE Global Limited, defines Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), also known as Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) as a process:
|
….used to improve the building operation, occupants' comfort and other areas based on its outcomes. Therefore, the POE provides suggestions on potential improvements, including, but not limited to the following:
A POE can also be used as part of the stakeholder consultation at the briefing stage for a new building or the refurbishment of an existing one, in cases where the building occupants are the same. This can be achieved through the use of a questionnaire or workshops to highlight lessons from the old or existing building that could be taken into account in the design of the new project. |
In relation to POE methodologies, it says:
‘Any POE or BPE methodology that fulfils the criteria can be used. Further guidance on POE can be found in the following resources:
- BCO guide to Post-Occupancy Evaluation, British Council for Offices (BCO), 2007
- BRE’s Design Quality Method (DQM) is a tried and tested, independent, post occupancy evaluation (POE) method used by all UK auditing authorities, and many funding bodies. Further information can be found at http://www.bregroup.com
- BRE Digest 478, Building performance feedback: getting started
- Guide to Post Occupancy Evaluation: Report and Toolkit
- The Building Use Studies (BUS) methodology is an occupant satisfaction survey that will fulfil part of the POE credit requirement, occupant feedback stage: https://busmethodology.org.uk/
- The Design Quality Indicator (DQI) is a method to assess the design quality of buildings. DQI is a process that actively involves a wide group of stakeholders in the design of building. It is delivered though a facilitated workshop that enables representatives from both the demand and supply side to work together to achieve the best outcome. Completion of the DQI Stage 5, In-use stage workshop could fulfil part of the POE credit requirement, the occupant feedback stage. See http://www.dqi.org.uk.
- BSRIA Guide to Building Performance Evaluation in Non-Domestic Buildings is a general introduction to BPE, and explains why it is important and how it can be carried out.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Advantages of shell and core.
- Appointing consultants.
- BRE articles.
- BREEAM Post occupancy evaluation.
- BREEAM.
- Building performance evaluation in non-domestic buildings guide – an introduction to the tests and methods in non-domestic buildings
- Building performance evaluation.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Building Use Studies.
- Design quality indicator DQI.
- Extended aftercare.
- Initial aftercare.
- Performance gap.
- Performance in use.
- Post occupancy evaluation.
- Post project review.
- Soft landings.
Featured articles and news
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.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.


























