Center for Building Energy Research

Contact CBER

Ulrike Passe, Director
515-294-7142
cber@iastate.edu

Tami Wicks
Administrative Assistant
515-294-3045
tswicks@iastate.edu

CBER is a member of the Institute for Physical Research and Technology, a network of scientific research centers at Iowa State University.

The Center for Building Energy Research, known as CBER, focuses on strategies to reduce energy consumption in buildings using effective building design and efficient and renewable energy sources and technologies.

The Center supports interdisciplinary and collaborative research between disciplines such as architecture, agriculture, geological and atmospheric sciences, business, mechanical, construction and electrical engineering, material science and engineering as well as interior design, environmental psychology and behavioral science.

CBER endeavors to reduce energy consumption include:

Reducing heat gain and loss through the building envelopes
Using renewable resources like solar power and wind energy
Leveraging natural ventilation
Simulating energy use and performance
Improving the efficiency of HVAC systems and industrial processes
Improving indoor air quality
Enhancing human comfort and productivity while reducing waste
Implementing alternative energy sources
Promoting green building technology in building designs

The "Interlock House" was Iowa State University's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon competition in 2009. CBER led the interdisciplinary team of faculty and students.
Photo by Jim Tetro, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon,
http://www.solardecathlon.org/2009/gallery_homes.cfm#Iowa

Resource for Education, Industry and Government

CBER serves as a resource for undergraduate and graduate students, building operators and others involved in building energy technology and issues. The center also works with industry and government agencies to develop energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings, processes and equipment. Many of CBER’s research efforts focus on solving problems affecting people living in Iowa and the Midwest, helping to reduce energy usage and improve air quality. CBER is the ‘home’ for the Iowa State 2009 Solar Decathlon Team.

News & Events

White Roofs May Successfully Cool Cities

A computer model simulates impact of white roofs on urban areas. See release from the National Science Foundation.