AIA, National Institute of Building Sciences to Promoting Building Industry Research, Knowledge

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects and the National Institute of Building Sciences recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding underscoring the two organizations" mutual interest in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance buildings and the desire to collaborate on issues surrounding these topics.

“Through cooperation and coordination on the issues impacting the entire building community and the pursuit of high-performance buildings, the Institute and AIA can work towards improving our nation's buildings.   We are very pleased to work with AIA on such an important effort,” said Green upon signing.

One of the first projects the two organizations will work on collaboratively is the joint development of an online portal for building industry research and knowledge. Intended to be accessible to the public, this initiative will include the participation and contribution of a variety of building science and performance disciplines. NIBS and AIA anticipate this partnership will culminate in providing a centralized location for the knowledge and research efforts underway relevant to the building industry.

“The AIA has long recognized the power of knowledge to inform design.   For many years, the AIA Knowledge Communities have provided ample testimony to the value of that orientation,” said Ivy about the new partnership and the outline of work planned.   “The AIA-NIBS research portal will enable practitioners to use knowledge creatively in ways for which they have impatiently hoped.   Now the wait is over.”

Later this year, NIBS and AIA will also collaborate on an industry summit bringing together leaders in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering. The summit will focus on elevating awareness and understanding of how design adds value to the building process, whether it's expressed through increased property value or the health, safety and welfare of the building's users.

Additionally, AIA and NIBS are working together on High Performance Buildings: Combining Field Experience with Innovation, the third Building Enclosure Science & Technology Conference, April 2-4, 2012, in Atlanta. The conference is part of the Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council’s mission to explore the advancement of energy efficiency of buildings as well as the durability of buildings as affected by moisture and the indoor environment. The AIA and NIBS have been partners in the Building Enclosure Councils since 2004.

About The National Institute of Building Sciences
The National Institute of Building Sciences is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that successfully brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests, and regulatory agencies to focus on the identification and resolution of problems and potential problems that hamper the construction of safe, affordable structures for housing, commerce and industry throughout the United States. Authorized by the U.S. Congress, the Institute provides an authoritative source and a unique opportunity for free and candid discussion among private and public sectors within the built environment. The Institute’s mission to serve the public interest is accomplished by supporting advances in building sciences and technologies for the purpose of improving the performance of our nation’s buildings while reducing waste and conserving energy and resources. Visit www.nibs.org.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit http://www.aia.org