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
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.