We are looking for partners to help deliver Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) services. We need experts in performance testing, in-use monitoring or post-occupancy evaluation.
“This BPE study has achieved exactly what we hoped it would.” These words from Caroline Summers, Principal Decarbonisation Officer at Hedyn (formerly Melin Homes), capture the growing momentum behind Building Performance Evaluation (BPE) in Welsh housing.
Caroline’s endorsement follows the recent evaluation of a timber-framed housing scheme in Monmouthshire, delivered by Melin Homes and supported by the Home-Grown Homes 2 (HGH2) programme. The BPE process was led by Soap Retrofit and Woodknowledge Wales (WKW), using the WKW BPE Toolkit to assess whether homes perform as designed—especially in terms of energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
“It has highlighted that the timber frame system is performing well (even when constructed on site and not at the factory), and that the contractor has constructed the properties well,” Caroline said. “The report provided recommendations where minor improvements could be made to reduce thermal bridging and air tightness between the wall plate and the roof.”
Her team plans to act on these findings by contacting the contractor to share the report and acknowledge their positive achievements. In addition, as recommended, they will recommission the ventilation system and conduct a tenant survey within the year to capture occupant feedback. But more significantly, Caroline confirmed that Hedyn now plans to build BPE costs into all future schemes where budgets allow.
“Overall, this report has highlighted the importance of BPE on all future sites to reduce the performance gap and better understand the new construction methods and technologies available. We were very grateful that the Home-Grown Homes project has provided us with the funding and support to carry out such in-depth BPE so we can highlight its importance and better understand its value.”
Proving the value of timber—and feedback loops
Melin’s case study is one of eight featured in the HGH2 BPE programme. The initiative, led by Woodknowledge Wales, is designed to test and simplify BPE tools and techniques for real-world application. Supported by specialists like Build Test Solutions and Soap Retrofit, the project spanned both new-build and retrofit developments across Wales, many built using timber frame systems.
“BPE is a powerful tool for validating new construction methods, closing the design-performance gap, and improving long-term outcomes for residents,” said Dr Diana Waldron, Head of Built Environment at Woodknowledge Wales. “Caroline’s feedback demonstrates that BPE isn’t just about identifying faults—it’s about recognising what works, sharing that knowledge, and creating a continuous feedback loop.”
The case studies revealed that even well-designed and constructed homes can benefit from measured feedback. For example, small gaps in airtightness between wall plates and roof junctions—though often invisible to the eye—can still impact energy efficiency. BPE tools such as SmartHTC, Heat3D, and thermographic imaging helped identify and quantify these subtleties, offering precise data to improve building performance and occupant comfort.
Partner with Woodknowledge Wales delivering BPE as a scalable service
Building on the success of this work, Woodknowledge Wales is now seeking delivery partners to help roll out Building Performance Evaluation as a service across the housing sector in Wales and beyond.
We’re particularly keen to hear from organisations with experience or capabilities in:
- Thermal performance testing (e.g. SmartHTC, U-value measurements, airtightness testing)
- Indoor environmental quality monitoring (e.g. ventilation, humidity, air quality)
- Post-occupancy evaluation and tenant engagement
- Retrofit and new-build construction performance assessments
- Data collection and reporting tools suitable for in-use building evaluation
The benefits for partners include early access to industry-tested tools and guidance, opportunities to co-develop new service models, and the chance to collaborate with forward-thinking housing clients who are ready to embed BPE into their project workflows.
Dr Diana Waldron explains: “We’re looking to work with technical partners who not only bring strong analytical capabilities, but who also understand the value of collaboration, simplicity and learning in service delivery. This is about improving homes, empowering tenants, and helping the industry make data-informed decisions.”
Interested organisations are encouraged to get in touch with the Woodknowledge Wales team to explore partnership options.
Looking ahead
Woodknowledge Wales believes that BPE should become a standard part of housing delivery and asset management, particularly in a future shaped by net zero goals and tenant wellbeing.
“Caroline’s response reinforces the core aim of our work,” said Diana. “With the right support and simple tools, BPE can be affordable, scalable and transformative. It’s time to move beyond assumptions and start measuring what matters.”
The full HGH2 BPE Report, toolkit, and case studies will be available on the Woodknowledge Wales website from May 2025.
Please contact Diana Waldron for further information and to request an expression of interest form
