KJ Tait

PERFORMANCE

Building Performance

Buildings often use more energy than designed for. This gap between predicted and actual performance costs money and carbon.
We help building owners close that gap through better design, energy analysis and performance led engineering.
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Building performance and design optimisation by KJ Tait

What Is the Performance Gap?

Modern buildings are designed to achieve energy, carbon and comfort targets. Yet many fail to deliver the outcomes expected once occupied.

A building may achieve planning requirements, an EPC rating or sustainability certification while still consuming more energy than predicted in operation. This difference between predicted and actual performance is commonly known as the Performance Gap.

The Performance Gap can arise from design assumptions, commissioning issues, control strategies, occupancy patterns and operational practices. As energy costs rise and organisations pursue ambitious net zero targets, understanding how buildings perform in use has become increasingly important.

Why Building Performance Matters

Building performance affects energy consumption, carbon emissions, occupant comfort and long-term asset value. Improving performance can reduce operational costs, support sustainability objectives and help ensure buildings deliver the outcomes they were designed to achieve.

KJ Tait combines building services engineering, sustainability consultancy and operational energy expertise to help clients understand how their buildings perform in practice, identify opportunities for improvement and close the gap between design intent and real-world performance.

Building Performance in Practice

Building performance is ultimately measured by outcomes. Explore a selection of projects where KJ Tait has helped clients improve operational energy performance, support sustainability objectives and deliver better building outcomes.

Building Performance
Projects

Through thermal modelling KJ Tait were responsible for demonstrating and ensuring that the new Littleborough Primary and Whitworth Secondary schools could achieve Net Zero Carbon in operation.
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Through thermal modelling KJ Tait were responsible for demonstrating and ensuring that the new Littleborough Primary and Whitworth Secondary schools could achieve Net Zero Carbon in operation.
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KJ Tait are responsible for ensuring the abrdn office portfolio can meet the expected reinforcement of the MEES standard to ‘B’ by 2030. At One Trinity Gardens in Newcastle, the building is currently a ‘D’ rated EPC.
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85-89 Colmore Row is a multi-let office in Birmingham built in 1869. The building is currently served via a fan coil system with gas fired boilers and a chiller that are both considered to be beyond their economic life.
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The Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) has emerged as a pivotal tool in the real estate industry's journey towards decarbonisation. By providing science-based decarbonisation pathways, CRREM helps property owners and investors align their portfolios with the Paris Climate Goals, aiming to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
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The recent consultation on proposed changes to the Scottish Building Regulations has concluded, marking a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and environmental standards in Scotland's built environment.
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When assessing whether a residential building will overheat, CIBSE Guide TM59 should be used. This is not only considered a robust design methodology step, but is a requirement for London Plan and the new Part L 2021.
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