Information on research related to construction and architecture. Sponsored by the BRE with the aim of building a better world.
For over 80 years, BRE has been the UK Centre of Excellence for the built environment providing advice and guidance for all those involved in the design, construction, performance and management of buildings. The focus of its activities has always been the development and dissemination of knowledge, particularly in regard to the most pressing issues of the day. Today, the big challenge is climate change and BRE’s 500 strong team of specialists, engineers and architects are concentrating their efforts on developing advice and guidance that will help to improve the environmental performance of buildings and large developments.
BRE undertakes major research projects and provides consultancy, testing and certification services for clients here in the UK and around the world. The company is owned by the BRE Trust, a charitable company whose objectives are to advance knowledge, innovation and communication in all matters concerning the built environment through research and education. This ownership structure enables BRE to be held as a national asset on behalf of the construction industry and its clients, independent of specific commercial interests. It protects BRE's impartiality and objectivity in research and advice.
Key areas of work include
- sustainable design – for individual buildings, developments and communities
- the BREEAM environmental assessment method
- energy efficiency and renewable energy
- water management and water conservation
- the environmental impact of construction
- whole-life performance
- construction quality, process and productivity
- building performance - structures, materials and systems
- prevention and control of fire
- certification
- risk science
BRE regularly holds conferences, workshops and training sessions at its Watford Headquarters and regionally. It has offices in Watford, East Kilbride and Port Talbot.
Click on an item below to find out more
Consultation Documents
- Building a greener future: Towards zero carbon development
- Planning Policy Statement on climate change- supplement to PPS 1
Articles
BRE Bookshop - Advance Information
- Sustainable refurbishment of Victorian Houses: A blueprint for decision-making for those grappling with the difficult issue of whether to conserve, restore or demolish swathes of the UK’s considerable stock of Victorian and Edwardian housing.
- Fire safety and security in places of worship
- Green Guide to Specification
- Hemp lime construction
- Knock it down or do it up
- Sustainability in the built environment
- The LifE handbook
Research
- Photovoltaics Field Trial: The first full scale study to look at the design, construction, commissioning and performance of PV systems at 28 housing schemes.
- Prefabricated Schools: Executive summary of a review of recent small scale fabrication projects at Eastern Region schools
- Visit the BRE website www.bre.co.uk.
