Occupancy rate is the ratio between the actually used portion of a building or space and its total available capacity, expressed as a percentage. In construction and real estate, the occupancy rate is a key metric for assessing how efficiently a building is being utilised.
Calculation
Occupancy rate (%) = (occupied space / total available space) × 100
“Space” can be expressed in square metres, workstations, rooms or dwelling units, depending on the building type.
Application
The occupancy rate is relevant for:
- Office buildings — how many workstations are actually in use? With hot-desking, the rate is rarely 100%
- Residential complexes — the proportion of let dwellings against the total stock
- Hotels — the ratio of occupied rooms to available rooms
- Car parks — the percentage of occupied parking spaces
Importance for design
The expected occupancy rate influences building design:
- Ventilation — the amount of fresh air depends on the number of occupants
- Fire safety — escape routes and emergency exits are designed for maximum occupancy
- Building services — heating and cooling capacity are matched to the expected occupancy rate
Related terms
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