Thanks for agreeing to complete our Building Use Evaluation Survey. This page contains some answers to questions you may have. The survey will be collected the same day that it is distributed - normally about 3pm. If you know you are going to be away from your desk, please leave it in a place where it can be easily seen and collected.

• What is BEES?
• Why is my workplace taking part?
• Why is BRANZ conducting this survey?
• Why do you need to know my name?
• I work in an open plan space - what is my work area?
• What do you mean by ‘normal workspace?
• What does ‘building design' include?
• What do ‘building facilities' include?
• What is ‘too little' noise?
• Why are you collecting information about travel to and from work?
• Where can I get more information?

What is BEES?
The Building Energy End-use Study (BEES) is a 6-year project monitoring and analysing the energy and water consumption of non-residential buildings around New Zealand. This research is the first of its kind to be done in New Zealand.

Why is my workplace taking part?
Workplaces are randomly selected and then suitable workplaces (offices with more than 40 staff) are asked if they would like to participate.

Why is BRANZ conducting this survey?
This survey was developed in the UK in 1985 and is now used around the world. The survey will be used to support the detailed monitored information that is being collected (such as temperatures, energy use, humidity, lighting levels). By understanding your perceptions of the space, we have a better idea of what conditions work in a building.

Why do you need to know my name?
All answers are confidential and results will be grouped. We ask for your name in case we need to follow up on anything.

I work in an open plan space - what is my work area?
This is your immediate work area rather than the whole building you work in.

What do you mean by ‘normal workspace'?
This is the space where you carry out most of your work. If you have two bases, you can request an extra survey and complete one for each space.

What does ‘building design' include?
Layout, appearance, lighting and so on.

What do ‘building facilities' include?
Any facilities that are required during your working day.

What is ‘too little' noise?
A medium amount of noise (a background buzz) can be better than having just one person talking on the phone.

Why are you collecting information about travel to and from work?
The facilities at the building can also affect how you choose to travel to and from work. For example, if there are showers and secure bike storage, you may be more likely to cycle to and from work.

Where can I get more information?
Explore this section of our website or email BEES@branz.co.nz.