What is post-occupancy evaluation?

• A. A warranty inspection after one year.
• B. An assessment of building performance after occupancy to verify that performance meets design intent and identify improvement opportunities.
• C. A pre-design energy model.
• D. A post-construction safety check.

Answer: (B)

Post-occupancy evaluation is an assessment of building performance after occupancy to verify that performance meets design intent and identify improvement opportunities. It uses actual operating data and occupant feedback to see how the building behaves in use, covering how energy is consumed, indoor environmental quality, comfort, acoustics, daylight, and overall usability. This helps confirm that the design goals are being met and points to changes or upgrades that can enhance performance or occupant satisfaction. It differs from a warranty inspection after one year, which focuses on defects and warranty coverage; from a pre-design energy model, which estimates performance before construction; and from a post-construction safety check, which concentrates on safety issues at handover.