AIA 2030 Commitment By the Numbers: Post-Occupancy Evaluation

[{"body":{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Collect building performance data during occupancy"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Predicted EUI is the primary metric used for tracking success in the DDx. But energy models can be imprecise tools, and once a building is in use, its performance may differ from the expectations for a variety of reasons. This often happens because of longer occupancy hours than the model assumed, but the need for mechanical system tuning is also a common culprit."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) allows architects to access performance data and, ideally, to assess and address any problems. When POE reveals that a project is consuming more energy than expected, these lessons learned can be invaluable for future projects."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Unfortunately, POE is rare. Often, it\u2019s seen as an extra service requiring extra fees, and owners aren\u2019t keen to commit to it if the topic comes up too late in the process. Sharing data regularly is also one more thing for busy facilities professionals to attend to."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"But things are starting to change as more and more owners pursue higher-performing buildings and net zero energy. Programs like the International Living Future Institute\u2019s Zero Energy Certification and the U.S. Green Building Council\u2019s LEED Zero require actual energy data to verify achievement. Architects need to lead the growing movement toward performance verification\u2014which has the added benefit of helping architects understand whether their designs are working as intended. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"To support that goal, the DDx offers the option of tracking projects\u2019 actual energy performance over time. Once a project is completed, firms can enter the energy use intensity from an overall utilities bill or by fuel source, which is especially helpful in assessing how on-site renewables perform in practice. But post-occupancy energy data remains a new frontier in most 2030 Commitment signatories\u2019 reporting practices. So far, 329 projects, including 92 projects in 2021, have reported post-occupancy data in the DDx."]]]]},"title":"Post-Occupancy Evaluation"},{"body":{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"A culture of care: KieranTimberlake"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Why don\u2019t more projects have solid post-occupancy performance data? It\u2019s not a technical challenge but rather a cultural one, argues Kit Elsworth, Associate and building performance specialist at KieranTimberlake. "]]],[1,"blockquote",[[0,[],0,"\u201cIt\u2019s not about sensors; it\u2019s not about the actual methods of data collection,\u201d said Elsworth. \u201cIt\u2019s about creating a culture of care, educating ourselves, and dedicating resources to share knowledge from our projects.\u201d "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It\u2019s also a problem that post-occupancy evaluation is seen as an add-on service that too often doesn\u2019t come up until the project is complete. Instead, teams should be looking for opportunities to bring up data collection early so that it\u2019s part of the project from day one."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"That way, the right technology can be in place, and the right people can be involved."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Look for opportunities to align with clients\u2019 own values and commitments, advised Elsworth. For example, in KieranTimberlake\u2019s work with the University of Washington\u2013Seattle, the team discovered that the university has a campus-wide commitment to incorporate living labs into all future building projects. \u201cWe harnessed that commitment to identify opportunities to integrate metering into the building that would not only support the university\u2019s goals, but also facilitate POE,\u201d said Elsworth. \u201cBy establishing this goal early, post-occupancy evaluation is a part of the design and not seen as an added cost.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Elsworth pointed out that building owners are facing increasing regulatory pressure around measured energy performance, with laws like New York City\u2019s Climate Mobilization Act, Washington, D.C.\u2019s Building Energy Performance Standards, and Colorado\u2019s Energy Performance for Buildings Act proliferating around the country. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cThe writing is on the wall. We\u2019re seeing a lot of attention and momentum around actual building performance, and architects are in the best position to be driving the conversation,\u201d Elsworth said. \u201cStart now so you can best position your projects and firms for meaningful building data collection.\u201d"]]]]},"title":"Case Study"},{"body":{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/best-practices\/6346704-learning-from-experience-with-green-buildi","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/best-practices\/6336283-aronoff-centercase-study-of-a-post-occupan","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/showcases\/6082671-design-for-discovery","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/aiau.aia.org\/courses\/emerge-aiau-building-never-done-improving-your-practice-using-post-occupancy-evaluation","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.buildinggreen.com\/post-occupancy-evaluation","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.wbdg.org\/resources\/post-occupancy-evaluations","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.architecture.com\/knowledge-and-resources\/resources-landing-page\/post-occupancy-evaluation","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/aiacalifornia.org\/technical-wellness-post-occupancy\/","target","_blank"]]],"sections":[[3,"ul",[[[0,[],0,"Dive into AIA Best Practices on "],[0,[0],1,"post-occupancy evaluation"],[0,[],0," including "],[0,[1],1,"a case study"],[0,[],0," examining lessons learned in Cincinnati\u0027s Arnoff Center for the Arts. "]],[[0,[],0,"Browse through best practices, case studies, and the highest impact strategies to apply lessons learned from past projects in the Framework for Design Excellence\u2019s "],[0,[2],1,"Design for Discovery"],[0,[],0," principle. "]],[[0,[],0,"Learn how post-occupancy evaluation can improve your practice in "],[0,[3],1,"Emerge by AIAU: The Building is Never Done, Improving Your Practice Using Post Occupancy Evaluation"],[0,[],0,". "]],[[0,[4],1,"BuildingGreen Articles on Post-Occupancy Evaluations"],[0,[],0," looking at social science research as well as more anecdotal case studies, and we share what actually works and why. "]],[[0,[5],1,"Whole Building Design Guide"],[0,[],0," on Post Occupancy Evaluations (POE) shares that every lesson learned turns the curve towards more successful buildings. "]],[[0,[],0,"RIBA highlights leading "],[0,[6],1,"Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) guidance"],[0,[],0," including a primer, report, and pathways to knowledge. "]],[[0,[],0,"Explore AIA California\u2019s webinar on "],[0,[7],1,"Post-Occupancy Evaluations + Building Performance Data Gathering"],[0,[],0," as part of their Climate Action Series."]]]]]},"title":"Resources"}]