U.S. buildings use 71% of the nation's electricity, 54% of the nation's natural gas, and emit 40% of the nation's greenhouse gases. For decades, our researchers have pioneered efforts to make buildings more energy efficient, cost-effective, comfortable, and healthy. We work with industry, government, and policymakers on research including commercial and residential design, building occupant behavior, demand-response, and many other areas.
Our building researchers work on:
- Whole building and system diagnostics to assess and improve efficiency
- Advanced control systems and sensors to optimize and automate efficiency
- Windows, daylighting, and lighting system strategies and materials to reduce energy use
- Cool roofs and pavements to save energy and mitigate summer urban heat islands
- Energy efficient high-tech buildings (data centers, labs, clean rooms)
- Simulation models and benchmarking tools to evaluate new methods
- Demonstrations and deployment of advanced technologies
- Commercial and residential building systems.
See any of our research pages here, or find out more on the Building Technology and Urban Systems website at buildings.lbl.gov.