Performance in use of completed buildings
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Generally, performance in use assessments do not begin until 6 to 12 months after occupation, as operations may not be properly established before then, and the development will not have operated in all seasons.
Performance in use assessments should then be part of a continuous, ongoing process.
An assessment of performance in use generally includes an evaluation of two aspects of a development:
[edit] Business objectives
An evaluation of business objectives might include:
- The achievement of business case objectives.
- Whole-life costs and benefits against those forecast (including an assessment of capital costs vs running costs).
- Whether the project continues to comply with the current business strategy.
- Whether operations have improved as a result of the development.
- The resilience of the development and business to ongoing or likely change.
- Business and user satisfaction (including staff and user retention and motivation).
[edit] Design evaluation
An evaluation of design might include:
- The effectiveness of space planning.
- Aesthetic quality.
- The standards of lighting, the acoustic environment, ventilation, temperature and humidity.
- Air-pollution and air quality.
- User comfort.
- Maintenance and occupancy costs.
- Defects.
- The balance between capital and running costs.
- An assessment of whether the development is being operated as designed (including assessment of user controlled systems).
- Environmental and energy consumption in use. NB: Regular evaluation of energy consumption is mandatory for certain types of buildings under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations). See the article on energy certificates for more information.
[edit] Assessment
The assessment should compare findings to the original targets set out in business case (the original targets may need to be updated to reflect changes to the project brief during the design process as well as wider changes such as inflation). It should also compare findings to other projects and industry standards and compare the outcome of the project with the position had the project not taken place.
A report should be prepared that identifies issues, recommends remedies, and makes recommendations for improvements in performance both for the development being assessed and for future projects.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM.
- Building performance evaluation.
- Building performance metrics.
- Building use studies (BUS).
- Closing the gap between design and as-built performance.
- OGC Gateway Review 5: Operations review & benefits realisation (or benefits evaluation).
- Performance.
- Performance gap.
- Performance of exemplar buildings in use: Bridging the performance gap FB 78.
- Post occupancy evaluation (repeats some of the text in this article).
- Post project review.
- Soft landings.
- Track record.
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.