Post-occupancy evaluation: benefits and barriers

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is examined within a North American perspective. Benefits from using POE are examined and include: a feedback loop to enhance continuous improvement processes, improved fit between occupants and their buildings, the optimization of services to suit occupants, the reduction of waste of space and energy, validation of occupants' real needs, reduced ownership/operational expenses, improved competitive advantage in the marketplace. The barriers to implementing POE are found to include: fragmented incentives and benefits within the procurement and operation processes, lack of agreed and reliable indicators, potential liability for owners, exclusion from current delivery expectations, exclusion from professional curricula. Recommendations for overcoming these barriers are made at governmental, institutional, corporate and project levels.