Present and future of building performance assessment tools

Abstract

Purpose The assessment of building performance in terms of environmental impact and overall sustainability approach is carried out by several methods, different in terms of structure, application and parameters involved. A review of the most frequently used tools available at the moment is presented and a comparison of the tools in terms of general characteristics and environmental parameters is undertaken. Moreover, suggestions are made with regards to a future, easy to use, sustainable building Mediterranean assessment tool. Design/methodology/approach The methods are investigated in terms general parameters such as their applicability and also in terms of their primary environmental issues of concern involved. A comparative analysis is undertaken. Findings The investigation showed that none of the methods seem to incorporate all the parameters involved. Especially, the economic and social factors as well as comfort, which are all significant parameters directly involved to sustainability, are assessed only by half of the tools presented. The focus of the methods seems to be on issues regarding energy, landscape‐site, resources and quality of indoor environment. Practical implications The paper encourages the development of a more complete tool, which will include as many parameters as possible and would be applicable at a macro‐regional scale (e.g. the Mediterranean region). Originality/value The paper can be used as the starting point for future research as well as a reference paper.