Post Occupancy Evaluations Table References

Updated:

02-18-2021

TABLE 1: INFORMATION AND DATA TO BE COLLECTED DURING THE POE
Site and Exterior Environment	Collect information and data on selection and physical conditions of the site location
	Collect information and data on transit proximity/use
	Collect information on nearby amenities
	Collect data on exterior public use spaces
	Collect data on the exterior entrance
	Collect data on landscape vegetation including the use of regional species
	Collect data on irrigation water use and the use of conservation measures
	Collect information and data on storm water management for the site
	Collect information on materials used for landscaping and site development
Architectural	Functionality: Collect information on the functionality of interior spaces based on interrelationships, location, and other design strategies Atrium/Lobby Parking Loading Dock Mechanical Spaces Restrooms
	Space requirements reflect owner's work style and patterns and space utilization Vertical Circulation Elevator capacity, frequency and location Vertical stairs – ability to use stairs to move between floors Horizontal Circulation Corridor width and layout Signage/Wayfinding
	Space Efficiency Right-sizing Workplace space guidelines are established based upon documented work tasks and patterns, required business processes, and other mission drivers, including an appropriate mix of space types The completed building reflects the program Room Sizes: Adequate to perform desired function Number of Rooms: Sufficient number of offices, conference rooms and support spaces to meet current needs. Long term needs. Adjacencies: Functional areas located in appropriate proximity to one another. Exit access and capacity Access control
	Health and Comfort: Environmental Controls Ventilation and Thermal Comfort Lighting/Daylighting Acoustic Comfort (sound transmission between spaces) Sustainability
	Accessibility Access for Persons with Disabilities Accessible routes Parking Signage
	Flexibility/Efficiency Space Utilization Partitions and Interior Walls Alternative Working Environments/Methods of Working Promote equitable resources, amenities, and alternative ways of working.
	Workplace Image Main entrance welcomes all building users and conveys the organization's mission and desired image. Lobby offers visitor seating and displays information about the owner's mission.
	Appropriateness of Interior Systems, Finishes, Fixtures, Furniture and Equipment: durability, serviceability, colors and textures Interior Walls/Partitions Durability Environmental Acoustic Security Visual Interior Doors Durability Acoustic Security Flooring Durability Environmental Maintenance Visual Service Life Ceilings Durability Acoustic Environmental Coatings (Paint) Durability Environmental Maintenance Visual Coverings Durability Environmental Maintenance Visual Millwork, Cabinets, Countertops Durability Environmental Maintenance Finishes Appropriateness Durability Environmental Maintenance Visual
Building Envelope	Systems and Materials: Evaluate selections of envelope systems and materials
	Water Penetration: Obtain data from significant representative samples
	Waterproofing Systems: Collect information and evaluate selected waterproofing systems
	Moisture Control: Obtain data from significant representative samples
	Condensation Resistance: Obtain data from significant representative samples
	Air Tightness: Obtain data from significant representative samples
	Thermal Performance: Obtain data from significant representative samples
	Acoustic Control: Obtain data from significant representative samples
	Fenestration Cleaning: Evaluate fenestration cleaning system and strategies
Structure	Wind Resistance: Evaluate structural wind resistance in relation to Risk
	Flood Resistance: Evaluate flood resistance in relation to risk
	Seismic Resistance: Evaluate seismic resistance in relation to risk
	Blast Resistance: Evaluate blast resistance in relation to risk
Mechanical	Temperature: Obtain data from significant representative samples Space Types Entry and transitional Meeting (large, multiple thermal zones) Meeting (small, single thermal zones) Open Office Private Office Utility Measurement Locations Air temperature at space temperature sensor controlling the zone Surface temperature of the sensor mounting location (affected by direct sun, or non-insulated) Note sensor location relative to occupant or equipment location (mounting height, distance from occupants, interior vs. perimeter, etc.) Air temperature at supply air device (or surface temperature of the device vanes) Air Temperature: At glazing At opaque wall Air Temperature at Occupant or Equipment Location: Perimeter occupant Interior zone occupant Surface Temperatures: Ceiling Desk/Table working surface Floor Window mullion Glass Walls
	Humidity: Obtain data from significant representative samples Space Types Entry and transitional Meeting (large, multiple thermal zones) Meeting (small, single thermal zones) Open Office Private Office Utility IDF, Telecom Server Mechanical Electrical distribution on floors Electrical switchgear Measurement Locations At space humidity or temperature sensor controlling the zone At occupant or equipment location Perimeter occupant Interior zone occupant
	Air Movement: Obtain data from significant representative samples Space Types At any seated worker location in entry and transitional Meeting (large, multiple thermal zones) Meeting (small, single thermal zones) Open Office Private Office Measurement Locations At occupant or equipment location Perimeter occupant Interior zone occupant Measurement Values Detectable on bare skin Constant condition Controllable by occupant Are detectable conditions beneficial to occupant comfort Airspeed at detectable locations
	Building Pressurization Measurement Locations, Perimeter Opening Types Entry door at grade Vestibule Non-vestibule Loading dock Operable windows to occupied spaces Roof access Measurement Value is pressure differential
	Ventilation Outside airflow data from BMS Outside airflow values from Cx/TAB reports
	Filtration Record filter MERV rating upstream of all cooling coils and other devices with wetted surfaces Record filter MERV rating on outside air intakes Outside airflow values from Cx/TAB reports
	Acoustics (MEP): Obtain data from significant representative samples Space types: At any seated worker location in entry and transitional Meeting (large, multiple thermal zones) Meeting (small, single thermal zones) Open Office Private Office Measurement Locations At occupant location Measurement Values Disruptive to worker function/tasks Quality of Noise Source Constant Condition Decibel
	Whole Building Energy Performance and Operational Efficiency Obtain energy and water usage data and billing Monthly for most recent year Obtain sub-metering information Lighting Power Renewable Solar PV Wind
Plumbing System	Fixture performance
Plumbing System	Condition of domestic and sanitary piping systems
Lighting and Electrical System	Illuminance: Obtain data from significant representative samples Representative samples from the following spaces: Open Offices Private Offices Entry Spaces Circulation Stairs Spaces where small tasks are performed Additional space types identified as areas with low user acceptance.
	Luminance: Obtain data from significant representative samples Representative samples from the following spaces: Open Offices Private Offices Entry Spaces Additional space types identified as areas with low user acceptance. Focus areas for Luminance measurements will be spaces with large windows and large daylight quantity, where glare may be a concern.
	Spectral Distribution: Obtain data from significant representative samples Representative samples from the following spaces: Open Offices Private Offices Areas of high stress Additional space types identified as areas with low user acceptance.
Electrical System	Flash protection
	Protection of switchgear, transformers and emergency generators from flooding
	Availability of emergency and redundant power systems
	Management of lighting and power control systems during occupied and unoccupied periods
Security Systems	Physical Security: Collect information and evaluate strategies for providing required Level of Security Standoff Perimeter Barriers Entrance Control Public Screening Enclosure (Walls and Fenestration) Roof Parking Loading Dock Mailroom
Security Systems	Electronic Security: Collect information and evaluate equipment selection for providing required Level of Security Visual Surveillance Electronic Surveillance Access Control Intrusion Detection Duress Alarms Alarm and Voice Systems Information Technology Protection Command Control

TABLE 2: EXAMPLES OF LESSONS LEARNED DURING POST OCCUPANCY EVALUATIONS
Involve O&M Staff Early in the Process	When the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) staff or contractor is involved early and is on board before the final occupancy, the transition process occurs seamlessly, and the facility then appears to operate at a high degree of satisfaction. When the O&M training is provided by the actual vendor and the training material is archived in a useful and easy-to-access format, evidence shows that huge dividends are reaped during the future operation of the facility. Early staffing is the key to success for bringing the O&M staff/contractor on before final occupancy, so that they can observe the commissioning and startup operation of the equipment, as well as for selecting the most skilled firm to operate the building. In other words, the money spent designing and providing a high-performing smart building was not fully realized as a result of contracting with a O&M vendor underqualified to operate the facility.
Competent Facilities Maintenance Staff	The building must be operated in a fashion that is consistent with the design intent, by personnel who are appropriately qualified, certified, and licensed to effectively address the complexity of the building's systems.
Appropriate Landscaping	Inappropriate selection of landscape plantings has repeatedly resulted in continuing O&M costs, including significant staff time tending to the landscape, costs to replace poorly performing species, and increased water usage. The costliest and most time-consuming issues surround improper selection of trees, shrubs, and turf.
Adequate Irrigation Systems	Irrigation systems can be complicated and if not designed, installed, and commissioned correctly can cause long term operational, maintenance and repair expenses.
Water features Maintenance	Exterior water features can require significant maintenance and repair costs if they are not adequately designed and installed.
Plazas	Exterior plazas can experience deterioration which requires costly maintenance, repair, and replacement.
Matching Maintenance to the Design	Innovative solutions to the building enclosure require a heightened due diligence in the design and validation phase to insure the appropriate, climatic and hygrothermal maintainability of the system.
Enclosure Maintenance	Maintenance, cleaning, repair and replacement of the building enclosure, specialty systems, lighting, and roofing, require increased design attention, directly proportional to the systems complexity, durability, access ,and usage to minimize operating and maintenance costs, downtimes, and building disruption.
Window Ceaning and Maintenance	Window-washing provisions can be challenging and often at odds with architectural expression. The following should be considered when planning for window washing on future projects: Conflicts with sun shading systems and other applied ornament to the building facades. Sloped roofing may cause challenges with rope access and installation of tie-off points, and alternative methods for window washing and façade maintenance may be necessary. Avoid long-term costs associated with rental of specialized equipment or atypical contractor expertise to perform window washing. Consult with local maintenance contractors during design development to align the constructed solution. Installation of roof anchors can facilitate window washing and façade maintenance, but costs for periodic re-certification of roof anchors should be anticipated.
Loading Docks	Limited or poorly designed loading dock areas can dramatically increase the inefficiency of delivering packages, supplies, and other materials to the facility. The lack of freight elevators and direct transfer routes can exacerbate these inefficiencies, increasing staff time and resources required for movement of incoming and outgoing materials. Customized large overhead doors and horizontal gates found in garages, loading docks, and secure parking areas are prone to racking and breaking down, requiring long delays in terms of acquiring skilled, out-of-town repair contractors and foreign parts.
Restroom Maintenance	Public restrooms that see a high level of traffic require constant cleaning. Certain restroom characteristics, such as light-colored floor tiles and grout, or smaller tiles that require more grout joints, exacerbate the problem and require excessive expenditure of O&M resources. Also, the location of toilet accessories within the room, dimensional clearance, and capacity impact use and cleanability.
Temperature Control	Providing high levels of occupant satisfaction with the indoor environment and thermal control continues to be a challenge for many buildings. Temperature and comfort dissatisfaction can be an ongoing problem with resulting maintenance time and costs to respond to occupant complaints.
Mechanical Equipment Access	Accessible and adequate space for mechanical and electrical equipment must be provided. Equipment location must not require the direct disruption of the building for common service requirements.
Entry Door Pressurization	Buildings with multistory atria that include screening operations and direct connections to the outdoors, all struggled with pressurization control at their main entries. Buildings can experience unnecessary energy consumption from inconsistent pressurization. Pressurization control works hand-in-hand with indoor environment control, and both excessive infiltration of outdoor air or exfiltration of treated indoor air wastes energy, including that spent on humidifying in winter.
Restroom Fixtures	Battery powered restroom fixtures were found to be an extremely high maintenance item in buildings where they are located in busy public restrooms. The battery replacements can be a weekly necessity, requiring the facility to expend O&M staff resources on continuing basis. The need to replace plumbing fixture batteries does not seem to be a burden at lower frequency restrooms.
Lighting Fixture Access	Access to lighting for lamp replacement can offer significant challenges to O&M staff, as well as significant expenditure of resources (both time and money).the need to use scaffolding and lifts, resulting damage to flooring, and in some cases the complete inability to reach the lighting offer major impediments to the successful operations of buildings. In addition, having a large number of different luminaire types and ballasts can require a large variety of lamp types to be kept in stock and tracked, in order to keep up with re-lamping luminaires. This requires extensive time and effort to ensure that the correct lamp is replaced.
Careful Weigh In-grade Luminaires	In-grade exterior luminaires and step lights commonly show evidence of water penetration. This is a common issue for in-grade luminaires, as it is challenging to install them completely watertight. Luminaires installed in concrete are also difficult to service since there are limited access points. Above-grade lighting is recommended for exterior applications.
Equipment Labeling	Buildings can have deficiencies in electrical equipment labeling, including electrical panels as well as lighting and shade control devices. Panel schedules in electrical rooms may only contain generic labels such as "lighting" or "receptacles." Maintenance staff is often faced with creating or fixing electrical and lighting control panel schedules in order to create useful labeling that meets requirements for circuit identification.
Optimize the BAS	The Building Automation System (BAS can substantially reduce energy efficiency if not optimized to provide integration and high performance between the various building systems.
Connect Lighting Controls to the BAS	While most lighting control systems have the capability of connecting to the BAS, in many cases that final step is not taken. Centralized lighting control systems will have their own user interface, but should be integrated with the BAS so that the system can produce information such as building schedules and energy consumption from one location, lessening the amount of repetitive work to be completed by facility management.
Lighting Systems Programming	The effective programming of building lighting systems and control in addition to occupant education can dramatically reduce energy costs and improve customer satisfaction.

Post Occupancy Evaluations Table References

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Post Occupancy Evaluations Table References

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