Understanding the drivers and barriers to Post Occupancy Evaluation using systems thinking to improve building performance.

Sunday, August 3, 2025, 4:50 PM

Session: Student Poster Session A (In Person Only)

As we face the challenges of building performance amidst a climate emergency and ambitious UK Net Zero targets, a deeper understanding of operational buildings is essential for addressing the performance gap and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the construction industry. Post occupancy evaluation (POE) remains an underutilised tool for closing this gap and enhancing building performance. To understand why POE is neglected this pilot project developed causal loop diagrams based on four semi structured interviews with an architect, estates manager, consultant and practitioner. The goal is to identify the drivers and barriers to POE from different perspectives. The eventual aim is to provide policy makers, particularly within the institutional and government domains to identify leverage points and approaches that can increase the use of POE. Preliminary finding indicate: For POE to deliver value, the recommendations must be implemented. Effective communication and innovative mechanisms in contracting, insurance and finance can enable POE. Mandating POE sharpens the focus and catalyse mechanisms to enable POE. The construction industry's short term delivery focused culture needs a shirt towards openness, patience and a willing ness to learn to foster continuous improvement. A broader spectrum of stakeholders in the building supply chain is required to get a full picture of the problem. Next steps, include undertaking more interviews followed by participatory workshops with stakeholders using CLDs to elicit strategies for policy.