February 1, 2006—The BRE (Building Research Establishment Limited) launched a formal research and development (R&D) partnership with several British universities on January 23. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen the UK’s capacity to carry out leading-edge built environment research and promote its practical application, ensuring that construction programs deliver buildings that are sustainable both in their construction and in their life-time operations.
The Partnership is establishing four research centers of excellence in key built environment areas:
- The BRE Centre for Fire Safety Engineering at the University of Edinburgh will focus on the physical aspects of fire research and the education and training of fire engineers;
- The Centre for Innovative Construction Materials at the University of Bath will include capabilities on smart materials, composites, recycled materials, nanotechnologies, and sensors, as well as innovations in the traditional construction materials of timber, concrete, masonry, and steel;
- The Centre for Energy Utilisation Research at the University of Strathclyde will develop research capabilities that focus on the interface between energy demand and supply and those that promote the evolution of improved integrated models of energy and environmental performance of the built environment; and
- The Centre for Sustainable Building Design Research at the University of Cardiff University, within the Welsh School of Architecture, will focus on all aspects of Sustainable Building Design.
Discussions are already underway to establish a fifth center with the working title of People in the Built Environment, which will focus on social, behavioral, and allied economic issues. For more information visit BRE.
