RIBA calls on government to undertake Post-Occupancy Evaluation on all publicly funded buildings

The RIBA has today published a report urging the government, local authorities and the wider construction sector to embed Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)1 as standard practice to ensure all new buildings meet intended energy efficiency ratings and provide optimum value for money.

It calls for a systematic change within the built environment, led by the government and supported by architects and others within the construction sector – including housebuilders who receive Help to Buy government loans.

The RIBA recommends:

• The government require POE as a condition for all publicly funded buildings and housebuilders receiving Help to Buy payments.
• The National Audit Office (NAO) operate on the assumption that all new publicly funded buildings have undertaken POE and highlight those which have not.
• Those designing and constructing buildings should highlight the benefits of POE to clients and include POE as standard when bidding for projects.

RIBA President, Alan Jones, said:

“As Dame Judith Hackett noted in her report on the disaster at Grenfell Tower, a complete change in construction industry culture is needed to address issues of quality, safety and sustainability. The message is very clear. We need to embrace a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and that starts with checking the true performance and impact of buildings on the environment. If the government is serious about reaching net zero by 2050, Post Occupancy Evaluation must be embedded into all projects that receive full or partial public funding now for the future of our planet and it’s people”

Read the RIBA’s full report ‘POE: an essential tool to improve the built environment’ here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Press contact: Abigail.Chiswell-White@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3811.
2. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.