Applied Economics Office

The focus of AEO's research and technical assistance is microeconomic analysis. The AEO provides information to decision makers in the public and private sectors who require advancements in measurement science in the areas of sustainability, energy conservation, community disaster resilience, construction, manufacturing, and safety. It also develops and conducts prototype training programs in applied economics for scientists and engineers.

NetZero House — BUILDINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY

US Geological Survey — EARTHQUAKE RISK REDUCTION

Smart Meter — STANDARDS, METHODS, & GUIDES

News and Updates

Diagram shows a mattress being set on fire by gas burners in a standard flammability test.

Mattress Flammability Standard Is a Lifesaver, NIST Report Finds

November 18, 2020

No matter how soft and cozy, beds that have gone up in flames are a source of some of the deadliest fires in the U.S. As large pieces of furniture loaded with

A man faces away from the camera, taking a photo of a damaged storefront.

Natural Disaster Preparations May Aid Businesses’ Pandemic Response

October 19, 2020

The social and economic impacts of COVID-19 have battered small and medium-sized enterprises, putting millions of jobs in the U.S. at risk. And a year rife with

Resilient Cedar Rapids: Rebuilding Better Pays Off

August 12, 2020

Many cities in the United States have experienced or will experience devastating losses caused by a natural disaster. In the aftermath of a disaster, the

Research Suggests Significant Benefits to Investing in Advanced Machinery Maintenance

June 15, 2020

The maintenance of machinery in the manufacturing industry consists of three primary approaches: reactive, preventive, and predictive. Reactive maintenance is

Projects and Programs

Metrics and Tools for Sustainable Buildings

Building stakeholders need practical information, data, metrics, and tools that can be incorporated into investment choices and policymaking related to

Metrics and Tools for Construction Productivity Project

This project defines metrics, tools, and data for measuring physical infrastructure delivery performance and construction productivity at three levels: (1) task

Publications

Annotated Bibliography of Key Publications on Business and Economic Recovery from Disasters

December 1, 2020

Author(s)

Sahar Derakhshan, Juri Kim, Maria Watson, Stephanie Chang, Charolotte Brown, Noah Dormandy, John Handmer, Jennifer F. Helgeson, Yoshio Kajitani, Adriana Keating, Ilan Noy, Adam Rose, Anne Wein, Norihiko Yamano

This Working Group focuses on the economic recovery of businesses and economies from the COVID-19 pandemic. With communities around the world experiencing

Developing Cost Functions for Estimating Solar Photovoltaic System Installed Using Historical Data and OLS Regression

November 20, 2020

Author(s)

David H. Webb, Joshua D. Kneifel

Solar photovoltaics (PV) continues to increase in market share. Policy decisions and the nature of solar markets continue to shift; however, it is likely that

Estimating the Impact of 16 CFR Part 1633 on Bed Fire Outcomes

November 18, 2020

Author(s)

Stanley W. Gilbert, David T. Butry, Rick D. Davis, Richard G. Gann

Effective July 1, 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission promulgated a standard to severely reduce the heat release rate and the early heat output

Annual Report on U.S. Manufacturing Industry Statistics: 2020

October 28, 2020

Author(s)

Douglas S. Thomas

This report provides a statistical review of the U.S. manufacturing industry. There are three aspects of U.S. manufacturing that are considered: (1) how the U.S

Applied Economics Office

News and Updates

Mattress Flammability Standard Is a Lifesaver, NIST Report Finds

Natural Disaster Preparations May Aid Businesses’ Pandemic Response

Resilient Cedar Rapids: Rebuilding Better Pays Off

Research Suggests Significant Benefits to Investing in Advanced Machinery Maintenance

Projects and Programs

Metrics and Tools for Sustainable Buildings

Metrics and Tools for Construction Productivity Project

Publications

Annotated Bibliography of Key Publications on Business and Economic Recovery from Disasters

Developing Cost Functions for Estimating Solar Photovoltaic System Installed Using Historical Data and OLS Regression

Estimating the Impact of 16 CFR Part 1633 on Bed Fire Outcomes

Annual Report on U.S. Manufacturing Industry Statistics: 2020

Software

Smart Investment Tool

Building Life Cycle Cost Programs

EDGe$ (Economic Decision Guide Software) Online Tool

Manufacturing Cost Guide

Contacts