Building performance evaluation supported by the continuous engagement of the facilities management (FM) team in controlling the operation of the building to meet the designtargets. To improve performance, output from the I-BPE recommendations included the introduction of a properly commissioned building management system to give the FM team real-time environmental and energy data, provide local thermostat controls, and optimise the use of blinds to increase daylight in the building. Although the case study is not radically different from other buildings that might be studied in India or elsewhere, this I-BPE investigation together with others will help develop the methods further. (See panel, Key to successful BPEs.) The research concludes that policy, such as energy codes, and market transformation such as increased employment of green rating systems will be needed for a BPE to succeed in any meaningful application. Further support will be required through a national policy framework that supports, enables and incentivises the study of real performance of buildings. This mirrors the experiences in other global marketplaces where the outcomes of BPE studies may not naturally filter through to policy-makers. Although the context is different from many other international BPE tools, the challenges appear to be fundamentally the same. CJ A full copy of this research paper may be downloaded for free at bit.ly/CJJan19India | India Time and expertise required No. BPE study elements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 1 Review of design intent Collection of available design data, metering strategy, details of building and its use Review of building services and energy systems Interviews with key stakeholders (for example, designer, owner and developer) Walkthrough with key stakeholders (for example, designer, owner and developer) 2 Technical building survey Inspection of build quality and services using photographic/ video documentation Controls interface survey Review of installation and commissioning of services performed as walkthrough with (or without) knowledgeable guide (for example, facility/ building manager, owner or designer) Assessment of building fabric using infra-red thermography 3 Energy Meter readings/ assessment energy bills for (consumption one year and generation) Monitoring of utility meters: analysis of energy-demand profiles Sub-metering of energy use (for example, energy generation, cooling/ heating, hot water, lighting, equipment) Electricity plug-load monitoring of individual appliances Additional parameters spot read/logged for example, CO2, lux, noise, wind speed Additional parameters spot read/logged for example, carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PMx), bioaerosols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) depending on objectives, such as IAQ studies Thermal comfort diary (thermal sensation and thermal preference ofoccupants) Focus group (collective) with occupants, to discuss common questionnaire findings in moredepth 4 5 Temperature and RH loggers/monitoring (internal and external; including weather station data download) Environmental monitoring Temperature and RH spot readings (internal and external; coincide with occupant survey) Occupant feedback Occupant satisfaction survey Semi-structured (perception interview (individual of indoor environment and occupants) control) for example, BUS Table 1: I-BPE framework showing the study elements and associated methods and tools key to successful building performance evaluations Development of the I-BPE methods and the case study highlighted factors that determine a successful BPE: Ensure adequate design documentation is available, including expected energy performance targets and, where possible, calibrated energy models with which to compare actual performance. As most Indian buildings are mixed mode (air conditioning is limited to extreme conditions), studies must consider naturally ventilated and air-conditioned modes to assess building performance as the outdoor conditions change. To properly understand the case study building systems, multiple walkthroughs and meetings with the FM team are required. The monitoring plan must be flexible and account for FM team feedback. Onsite data gathering about the operation and control of the energy systems in the form of written notes, photographs or videos give valuable context. Green rating systems encourage sub-metering, but is not commonly used in green buildings in India, so structured walkthrough surveys and interviews with the building managers are essential. Imported questionnaires, such as building use survey (BUS), require modification for climate and cultural considerations. It is vital to inform occupants about the purpose and relevance of the occupant survey in a pre-visit, to ensure a good response rate. Researchers will need to wait while respondents complete the survey, to reassure them that the responses are important. Occupants need strong encouragement to talk about their personal perception of the building, facilities and indoor environment. 32 January 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Jan19 pp30-32 India Building performance.indd 32 21/12/2018 15:02