Probe: some lessons learned from the first eight buildings.

Eight published post-occupancy surveys have focused on building services and energy performance, management, and occupant satisfaction in buildings of technical interest. All the buildings are relatively good; and two of them had unusually high occupant satisfaction: a sophisticated deep-plan air-conditioned office which demanded (and received) a high level of management; and a simple, low energy, largely naturally-ventilated medical centre, in which occupants were prepared to forgive some deficiencies in lighting, ventilation and summertime temperatures. Very good energy performance was delivered by three of the naturally-ventilated buildings, but in the more advanced of them, difficulties with control, commissioning, usability and management - problems which also afflict air-conditioned buildings - had affected occupant satisfaction. The results indicate the need for better briefing; more recognition and discussion of the demands buildings are likely to make on their occupants and management; more robust and sometimes simpler solutions with downside risks considered and minimised; intrinsically efficient systems with more usable controls and feedback; and better industry support to occupiers after handover.