Comparisons across surveys from the 1992 CBECS through the 2018 CBECS

The following tables provide a high-level look at the ways that CBECS survey design and questionnaire items have evolved over six survey cycles, from 1992 through 2018. For data users who want to look further back, Appendix D of the 1992 report compares 1986 through 1992.

The comparisons across the survey design and methodology (Table 1) and questionnaire items (Tables 2 through 8) are meant to convey major changes and do not cover every detail. See survey methodology pages and survey forms for additional details by survey cycle. Data users should compare survey forms for different survey cycles to check for specific changes in questionnaire items, such as wording, question order, or response choice order.

• Table 1. Survey design and methodology
• Table 2. Building size, age, and activity
• Table 3. Structural characteristics
• Table 4. Ownership, occupancy, hours, and workers
• Table 5. Uses of space
• Table 6. Energy sources, end uses, and consumption
• Table 7. Energy-using equipment
• Table 8. Conservation and energy management characteristics and practices