Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) and University of Westminster Guide

Basics

What is it?
A guide that gives an overall view of building performance evaluation and identifies the basic elements of a POE assessment within a framework, allowing universities and HE institutions to “pick and mix” their own one-off review process. It was researched and developed by the University of Westminster. An accompanying toolkit comprising templates of the various facets can be downloaded and adapted to suit the scheme.

Useful where?
At various stages through from briefing to three to five years post handover. Shortly after the completion of a project, and typically within the first three months of occupancy. The guide includes reviews that can be carried out from three to five years post handover.

What else does it do?
It meets the requirement of HEFCE (the Higher Education Funding Council for England) for post-project reviews.

Related activities
Several techniques listed in the Portfolio are evaluated in the good practice guide. It also bears a resemblance to some aspects of Soft Landings and Post-occupancy Evaluation in the First Year of Occupancy (q.v.)

The research carried out for the publication was based on a previous pilot used to developed the HEDQF/De Montfort method (q.v.).

In what sectors?
Designed for the higher education sector but is fairly generic. It could be adapted to suit other buildings if needed.

Relevance
It is not really a technique but has been included in the Portfolio as both the guide and toolkit are freely available in the public domain. It also encourages the adoption of POE at an early stage in the building process as well suggesting the use of a variety of tried and tested techniques to evaluate performance.

Development status

Who developed it?
The University of Westmister funded by Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) in 2006.

Stage of development
The project comprised research, the publication of a POE guide in HE establishments and a toolkit being produced which is available from AUDEÕs website.

Further development happening?
None but the toolkit has been in use since 2006.

Development contacts
None really as the research team has since disbanded and moved on to other projects.

Benchmarks?
Depends on POE route chosen.

How it works

Brief description
The guide provides an in-depth breakdown of various aspects to consider when carrying out a POE assessment such as:

• Process overview,
• Creating a framework,
• Identifying an approach,
• and which tools to use.

The aim is to allow POE to be a consideration from inception as well as relevant variables to benchmark and publishing the findings at the end. Once the suitable project-specific approach has been identified, the toolkit templates can be downloaded from the AUDE website and adapted to suit.

Is there software?
Downloadable templates (see links and PDFs).

How long does it take?
Varies from project to project.

Can I do it myself?
Yes, it is designed to be a do-it-yourself method and adapted to suit the circumstances. Consultant support may be required. ItÕs aim was to encourage the adoption of POE at an early stage as well as sharing information.

Can someone else do it for me?
Yes but it depends on the appropriate method or methods chosen. Some elements are designed to be carried out in house, others require consultant input.

Is the technique in the public domain?
Yes.

Are the methods open to inspection with technical support papers?
Yes.

Are there stable benchmarks?
Not really but it depends on whether elements chosen are standard methods or bespoke.

Is there an accreditation system?
No, not as a whole but parts might be.

Organisations offering
It is designed to be carried out in house or by consultants depending upon the POE elements chosen to suit the scheme.