Debrah, C., Chan, A. P. C., Darko, A., Akowuah, E., Amudjie, J., Asare, K. A. B., & Ghansah, F. A. (2025). A bibliometrix-based scientometric-systematic analysis and visualization of the global outlook on post-occupancy evaluation of green building. Building Research and Information : The International Journal of Research, Development and Demonstration, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2025.2521753.
Abstract
To achieve sustainability goals, it has become increasingly important to conduct post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to assess and understand the actual performance of green buildings (GBs). However, there has been little effort to provide researchers with a systematic and scientometric analysis of the state of the POE-in-GB field. To address this gap, this study aims to review the field and identify major trends and gaps that can be addressed in future research. This paper combined several state-of-the-art tools (i.e. Bibliometrix R-tool, Python BibexPy, VOSviewer, and Gephi) for an extensive bibliometric analysis based on 251 publications identified from Scopus and Web of Science. Utilizing a theoretical framework of office productivity, 35 empirical POE-in-GB studies were selected for further qualitative-systematic analysis. The quantitative-bibliometric analysis revealed that POE-in-GB research hotspots include energy efficiency, occupant satisfaction, thermal comfort, IEQ, LEED, and sustainability. The qualitative-systematic analysis focused on the physical environment quality and load, behavioural environment and the POE protocols of POE-in-GB. Some future research directions proposed include: exploring socio-psychological factors in POE-in-GB, developing standardized protocols for POE-in-GB, aligning GB certifications with user satisfaction, and integrating technology and big data into POE-in-GB. This study provides insights to academics and practitioners working in the POE-in-GB domain.
Keywords
Built environment; building performance evaluation; literature review; sustainable building; sustainability