Integrative In-Situ and Occupant-Centric Approaches for Evaluating Building Energy Performance
Building energy performance during the operational phase is shaped by a complex interplay between physical structures, technical systems, and human behavior. As operational energy use represents a substantial share of global energy demand and carbon emissions, accurately evaluating real-world performance has become a priority—particularly under emerging performance-based regulatory frameworks. This review addresses the limitations of conventional measurement approaches by examining how envelope characteristics, indoor environmental conditions, energy flows, and occupant behaviors can be assessed in an integrated manner.
Challenges in Capturing Operational Energy Performance
Traditional building performance evaluation methods often isolate individual factors such as energy consumption or thermal comfort, failing to capture their interdependencies. This fragmented approach overlooks the synergistic effects between building envelopes, indoor conditions, on-site energy production, and occupant actions. As a result, performance gaps between predicted and actual energy use persist, limiting the effectiveness of design feedback and operational optimization strategies.
Methodological Framework and Literature Scope
The study analyzes over 160 peer-reviewed papers retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database using a structured bibliometric and thematic analysis. This dual approach enables the identification of dominant research trends, methodological clusters, and underexplored areas. By systematically mapping the literature, the review establishes a comprehensive understanding of current in-situ diagnostics and occupant data-driven techniques used in building energy performance evaluation.
In-Situ Diagnostic Techniques: Strengths and Limitations
Common in-situ diagnostic methods—including monitoring of indoor environmental parameters, energy metering, and envelope performance testing—are critically examined. While these techniques provide high-resolution quantitative data and support evidence-based decision-making, they often lack contextual sensitivity to occupant behavior and adaptive use patterns. The review discusses how operational constraints, cost, and scalability influence the applicability of each diagnostic approach.
Occupant Data and Behavioral Dimensions
Occupant behavior remains one of the most underrepresented yet influential factors in building energy diagnostics. This review highlights the growing use of surveys, sensors, and data-driven behavioral models to capture occupant interactions with building systems. However, inconsistencies in data collection methods and limited integration with physical performance metrics continue to hinder comprehensive assessment. Addressing this gap is essential for aligning technical performance with actual building use.
Toward a Hybrid Multi-Criteria Evaluation Model
To overcome existing limitations, the review proposes a hybrid multi-criteria evaluation framework that integrates quantitative performance indicators with qualitative and behavioral data. A step-by-step guideline is provided to support the selection of suitable diagnostic methods based on building type, operational context, and assessment objectives. This integrative approach offers a more holistic understanding of building energy performance, supporting improved decision-making, policy alignment, and long-term sustainability outcomes.
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