In-situ and data-driven methods for evaluating building energy performance in the operational phase: A critical review

Building energy performance during the operational phase is influenced by interconnected factors, including structural characteristics, occupant activity, and systems integration. Current measurement methods often inadequately address the complex synergy between (i) envelope, (ii) indoor conditions, (iii) energy usage and on-site production, and (iv) occupant behaviors. This issue is increasingly critical as building operations account for a significant share of global energy demand and emissions, especially under emerging performance-based regulatory frameworks. This review analyzes over 160 papers retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database using a structured bibliometric and thematic analysis. It critically examines the most commonly used in-situ diagnostics and occupant data-driven techniques, discussing each method's strengths, limitations, and operational contexts. Therefore, it provides a step-by-step guideline to comprehensively evaluate buildings' energy performance elements and helps in selecting the suitable diagnostic methods. The review underscores the need for an integrative assessment framework and the underrepresentation of behavioral data in diagnostics. It proposes a hybrid multi-criteria evaluation model that combines quantitative and qualitative indicators.