NREL's Buildings Research Program is transforming energy through building science and integration. We are expanding the frontier of scientific knowledge that enables optimized energy use, generation, and storage in the built environment at multiple scales. Our research significantly enhances the resiliency, efficiency, and affordability of energy systems across the United States and the world.
Our researchers lead the science and engineering of energy efficiency in buildings, schools, communities, and districts by providing the knowledge to integrate and optimize energy systems and renewable power technologies.
Whether it's understanding emerging trends or troubleshooting existing barriers, NREL has the expertise to support industry as it evolves, addressing challenges. Below are our key capabilities that empower buildings to strengthen the grid.
- Data-driven building energy modeling
- Performance mapping and technology evaluation
- Renewable energy integration
- Moving technologies to market.
NREL's Building Energy Science team focuses on early-stage research for building energy technologies, including advanced components and efficiency strategies for new buildings and retrofits.
The Residential Buildings section explores energy efficiency solutions for both new and existing homes, including whole-house performance and the interaction of building components.
The Commercial Buildings team focuses on providing industry with tools, resources, and expertise to address energy challenges.
The buildings research will leverage NREL's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems, which is making it possible to understand the impact from the millions of new devices—such as electric vehicles, renewable generation, hydrogen, energy storage, and grid-interactive efficient buildings—that are being connected to the grid daily.
Learn more about our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and about how to work with us to find solutions to your technical building challenges.