**5. Conclusions**

The chapter presents an analysis of the gap between actual and expected performance in four Green Star institutions in Melbourne, Australia, and how POE generated results assisted in achieving this objective. Outcomes include the development of clear assessment mechanisms for establishing links between performance measurement and performance management with an understanding of how occupants view

#### *Highlighting the Design and Performance Gaps: Case Studies of University Buildings DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102779*

its value and description of a better performing building as compared to the others. The comparison was carried out on how well the building has been managed in conjunction with the sustainable building targets.

As observed by analysis of POE results of the case study buildings, it has been clearly indicated that the building users (mainly academic and non-academic staff) are not satisfied, and their needs have not been considered in the initial design brief. However, after triangulating the outcomes and studying the broader context, all four buildings have met their key parameters in terms of Green Star certification utility targets. What worked well for all buildings have been exceptional teaching and learning spaces, student study areas and institution image. Building variables that did not work well were lack of consultation with end-users and basic design faults or technical issues. This signifies that it is important to realize that the organizational facilities function cannot exist in isolation if the organization is to effectively exploit its entire asset base to best support the delivery of core services. Making constructive use of performance measurement results is critical if the organization is to improve the performance of its assets. At both individual and organisational levels, a better understanding of the relationship between what is being done and how well the organization succeeds needs to be developed. Based on the analysis, senior management and facility managers are seen to have a direct impact on building operations and performance. They can also adjust or redirect their strategies or identify new strategies for the organization.

Following the lead by the European Union since early 2021, there is a global momentum that is currently shifting towards Nearly Zero Energy Buildings, that is, high performing buildings utilising nearly zero or extremely low amounts of energy being met by renewable sources. While new commercial buildings in the US and Canada are now required to follow these principles, Australia is taking initiatives in the residential sector as well to achieve the same. Significantly, understanding the applications and potential of the building sector to effectively achieve overall sustainable outcomes. The outcomes of this study highlight that focusing on issues of building sustainability are not sufficient for a building's success. Being "green" is only one important feature of building success, but other aspects of building performance (user needs and engagement) must be considered as well. The focus on the green or sustainability aspect has detracted the construction industry from other equally important design issues relative to overall building performance. Understanding and taking the triple bottom line approach of being economically viable, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive is important rather than simply aiming to be rated as "green" or sustainable. Furthermore, being sustainable and green should be translated to high-performance buildings for optimal benefits. Supporting this argument, the outcomes of this study are noteworthy for individual buildings be they academic or otherwise, and benefits wider government, non-government and market audiences seeking new knowledge about performance development.

Zero-energy programs often build on these frameworks supporting a variety of non-energy benefits relative to standard buildings, such as improved comfort, improved occupant health and productivity, enhanced indoor environment quality, and higher occupancy rates. Therefore, this study concludes that in making building codes, policies and management approaches more stringent, prioritisation and engagement of building stakeholders, and increased interest in decarbonisation, would assist in encouraging and assisting buildings that are truly zero-energy and zero-energy-ready.
