Post-Occupancy Evaluation through University Campuses: Case Studies of Two Large Academic Buildings

Abstract A post-occupancy evaluation (POE) analyzes the functionality and comfort of a building after it has been occupied. POE can determine the problems associated with the building operation phase. Therefore, in a POE project, the essential aspects of a building that can affect occupants and their productivity will be evaluated. Higher education buildings such as university campuses with many buildings and users (students, faculty, and staff) are noticeable cases for POE. By conducting POEs for university campuses and addressing related issues, some underlying problems such as indoor environmental quality (IEQ), students’ learning experiences, energy consumption costs, and community-wide impacts will be enhanced. This study conducted a POE project for two large academic buildings through a case study research method. By the primary data collection method for this research—field measurement—various variables such as temperature, relative humidity, CO2, airborne particulars, sound level, and light level were collected with data loggers in two main categories: spot-check and long-term measurements. The results showed that most IEQ factors are at acceptable levels, but some of them, such as background sound, humidity, and light level, which can affect students’ learning experience, should be improved. Additionally, solutions such as fluorescent bulb replacement, PV solar panels, and double glazing should be implemented to save resources for the university and reduce operational costs. These solutions can enhance building performance and reduce the negative environmental consequences and CO2 emissions. For example, fluorescent bulb replacement can cut electricity consumption by nearly half, and the payback period will be less than four years.