NIBS on TV: National Institute Drives Building Resilience, Innovation Forward

Washington, D.C. – The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is set to appear on the nationally syndicated public television program Empowered, offering a broad audience a glimpse into the organization’s critical work in advancing building science, resilience, and sustainable construction practices. The feature comes at a time when climate change, natural disasters, and rapidly evolving technologies are reshaping the built environment, increasing demand for innovative and robust building solutions.

Founded in 1974 through federal legislation, NIBS serves as a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the built environment. It achieves this through research, collaboration, and the development of standards and guidelines that are widely adopted by architects, engineers, contractors, and policymakers. The upcoming segment on Empowered aims to showcase NIBS’s increasingly vital role in addressing the challenges facing the industry.

Bridging the Gap Between Public and Private Sectors

One of NIBS’s core strengths lies in its unique ability to foster collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and academic institutions. “There’s a real need for a neutral convener in the building space,” noted one industry source. “NIBS provides that platform, bringing diverse stakeholders together to tackle complex issues.”

This collaborative approach is evident in the organization’s involvement in several key initiatives, including the development of the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG). The WBDG is a comprehensive resource that provides guidance on sustainable and efficient building design, covering everything from site selection to material selection and energy performance. It’s used extensively by professionals across the industry and is considered a best-practice resource.

NIBS also actively collaborates with federal agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on research projects and the development of building codes and standards. This collaboration ensures that the latest scientific findings and technological advancements are incorporated into building practices.

Focusing on Resilience in a Changing Climate

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, have made building resilience a top priority for NIBS. The organization is actively involved in developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on buildings and infrastructure.

“We’re seeing a growing recognition of the need for buildings that can withstand floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters,” explained one expert familiar with NIBS's work. “NIBS is at the forefront of developing standards and guidelines to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed to meet these challenges.”

NIBS's Disaster Resilience Program focuses on developing strategies for assessing and mitigating risks, improving building codes, and promoting the use of resilient building materials. The program also provides training and education to building professionals on how to design and construct buildings that can withstand natural disasters.

Driving Innovation in the Built Environment

Beyond resilience, NIBS is also committed to driving innovation in the built environment. The organization recognizes that new technologies, such as smart building systems, digital twins, and advanced materials, have the potential to transform the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated.

“We’re seeing a convergence of technologies that are creating exciting opportunities for innovation in the building space,” said one source. “NIBS is actively exploring these opportunities and working to integrate them into building practices.”

NIBS's Digital Twin Initiative, for example, focuses on developing digital representations of buildings that can be used to simulate performance, optimize energy efficiency, and improve maintenance. The organization is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate building operations and improve energy management.

Furthermore, NIBS plays a critical role in modernizing building codes and standards to reflect these technological advancements. This ensures that buildings are not only more efficient and sustainable but also safer and more comfortable for occupants.

Looking Ahead

The appearance on Empowered is expected to significantly raise the profile of NIBS and its work. The organization hopes to use this platform to educate a broader audience about the importance of building science, resilience, and innovation.

“We want to make people aware of the critical role that buildings play in our society and the importance of investing in a more sustainable and resilient built environment,” a spokesperson for NIBS stated. “We believe that buildings can be a force for good, and we’re committed to working with all stakeholders to make that vision a reality.”

The organization plans to continue its collaborative efforts with government, industry, and academia to address the challenges facing the built environment and create a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. The increasing emphasis on sustainability, coupled with the urgent need to address climate change, positions NIBS as a key player in shaping the future of the built environment. The PBS segment is expected to highlight these contributions and inspire further innovation in the industry.