Building performance evaluation of occupied and operational buildings
In 2021 British Standards Institute launched BS 40101:2021 the first British Standard on evaluating building performance.
This standard has been updated in 2022 for BS 40101:2022, with it complete title being; "Building performance evaluation of occupied and operational buildings (using data gathered from tests, measurements, observation and user experience). Specification."
BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) define Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) as:
“…a form of Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) which can be used at any point in a building's life to assess energy performance, occupant comfort and make comparisons with design targets.”
In their blog about the new standard BSI describes how the standard is set-up in simple terms, the what, why, when, how and who of building performance evaluation.
"BS 40101:2022 has a simple aim: it gives guidance on how to evaluate building performance. But this is a complicated area. Thus the standard covers the what, why, when, how and who of building performance evaluation.
“What” relates to what needs to be tested or evaluated depending on the physicality of the property, the performance parameters of interest and the reason or reasons for the evaluation. Which brings users neatly on to “why” evaluate performance in the first place. This must be determined. Is it to verify performance or measure performance before or after improvement works? To investigate suspected underperformance or to inform the design of a new building or building type? The standard also gives guidance on tracking performance over time, e.g. for annual reporting or periodic building MOT's.
“When” is another question that needs to be answered. Evaluation activities may be conducted before works, “in process”, at completion of works, or 6-12 months after completion. They may be triggered by construction stages, a prescribed timetable, to aid the specification of other building(s) and/or if performance concerns are raised by occupants, users or other stakeholders.
Next is “how” the evaluation should be conducted and escalated if required – including ongoing adoption of new methods, technologies and techniques. The standard also prescribes the accuracy, granularity and format in which test and measurement data should be captured and held.
Finally “who” outlines the expertise required to conduct and interpret evaluation activities and to take responsibility for checking the relevant performance parameters and investigating any underperformance found to identify the root cause.
The standard also takes account of building occupants/operators and occupation patterns including density, both in evaluating that the building performance is fit for purpose in respect of its occupants and occupation and in incorporating occupant (user) feedback and insights to identify and help investigate performance concerns. "
For further reading and a link to the new British Standard follow this link.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building performance evaluation.
- Building performance evaluation in non-domestic buildings guide – an introduction to the tests and methods in non-domestic buildings
- Building performance metrics.
- Building use studies (BUS).
- CIOB Building Performance and Evaluation Guide.
- Closing the gap between design and as-built performance.
- Defects liability period.
- Design quality indicator DQI.
- End of contract report.
- Energy performance certificates.
- Extended aftercare.
- Initial aftercare.
- Maintenance.
- Migration strategy.
- Occupation.
- Performance gap.
- Performance in use (starter article that repeats some of the text in this article).
- Post occupancy evaluation process.
- Post opening project evaluation.
- Post project review (starter article that repeats some of the text in this article).
- Soft landings.
Featured articles and news
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Tackling the lack of knowledge or confidence in heat pumps
The CICV Green Home Festival part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Home improvements swapped for green energy upgrades
As applications down since and desire to reduce bills up.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
The Use of Natural Insulation Materials in Retrofit
New paper from STBA with support from SDF.
National Retrofit Hub in partnership with InstallerSHOW.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
Biodiversity and the built environment digital series
The nature of building, with CIOB and CWP.
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
Risks to the long-term effectiveness of the BNG scheme
National Audit Office publish review of Biodiversity Net Gain.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.