Post-occupancy surveys

BACKGROUND

Given the diversity of built environments, it is difficult to prescribe a comprehensive set of features that are effective across all settings. Occupancy surveys can be useful in measuring the extent to which a building is effectively promoting and protecting the health and comfort needs of its occupants. In addition, the ability to offer feedback and have a recognized stake in one’s comfort and well-being can have a positive impact on occupant mood.

Part 1
Occupant Survey Content

VERIFICATION

In buildings with 10 or more occupants, the Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ from the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkeley (or approved alternative) is completed by a representative sample of at least 30% of occupants at least once per year. The survey covers the following topics of occupant satisfaction:

a.³⁵

Acoustics.

b.³⁵

Thermal comfort, including humidity and air flow, at least twice a year (once during the cooling season and once during the heating season).

c.³⁵

Furnishings.

d.³⁵

Workspace light levels and quality.

e.³⁵

Odors, stuffiness and other air quality concerns.

f.³⁵

Cleanliness and maintenance.

g.³⁵

Layout.

Documents
Policy Document

Part 2
Information Reporting

VERIFICATION

Aggregate results from surveys are reported within 30 days to the following groups:

Building owners and managers.

Building occupants (upon request).

The International WELL Building Institute.

Documents
Policy Document

	Core & Shell	New & Existing Buildings	New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Occupant Survey Content	-	P	P
Part 2: Information Reporting	-	P	P

	Commercial Kitchen	Education	Multifamily Residential	Restaurant	Retail
Part 1: Occupant Survey Content	-	P	-	O	O
Part 2: Information Reporting	-	P	-	O	O

Verification Methods Matrix

	Letters of Assurance	Annotated Documents	On-Site Assessment
Part 1: Occupant Survey Content		Policy Document
Part 2: Information Reporting		Policy Document

Standard Citations

35

**Center for the Built Environment. Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey. http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/research/survey.htm. Accessed June 8, 2015.**
86.1.a	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including acoustic quality.
86.1.e	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including air quality.
86.1.f	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including cleanliness and maintenance.
86.1.d	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including lighting.
86.1.c	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including office furnishings.
86.1.g	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including office layout.
86.1.b	CBE's Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey™ covers several core question areas that address key aspects of the indoor environment, including thermal comfort.