Introduction

This has details of the BUS Methodology occupant data reporting and analysis method.

It is intended as background for BUS licensees and others using or wanting to understand the system.

We normally use questionnaires as the basic way of gathering data. We find that this approach is the most practical and cost-effective, both for the people and managers in the buildings being studied, and for ourselves. This can be supplemented if necessary with individual telephone call follow-ups, focus groups, and revisits. We also have an internet version (q.v.).

Survey data gathered from paper questionnaires are typed into pre-formatted Excel data files. Survey data from the internet version are imported to a database. The database is then processed by a series of scripts to produce the results.

The main results are presented as an Appendix which includes:

• up to 50 pages of data and benchmarks (Appendix A) - length depends on the questionnaire being used ;
• comments from respondents (Appendix B) ;
• graphics for up to 65 variables. These are supplied as confidential and anonymous web links. You may log in with a standard web browser.

Appendices A and B are distributed as pdf files.

You may either:

• write your own report prefacing the Appendix which has been supplied to you;
• commission us to write one for you (for which we would normally charge extra).

To use the BUS Methodology occupant questionnaire you must sign a licence in advance of the survey.