Who We Are
The Center for Sustainable Building Research (CSBR) was established as an official unit within the College of Design (formerly known as the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture) in 2001 although the staff has been conducting building research since 1997. There is a substantial and growing amount of building research activity in the following areas: sustainable design, energy-efficient buildings, windows and glazing research, building design process and evaluation, human factors, and building science. Sponsors of CSBR projects include the US Department of Energy, and state agencies such as the Minnesota Departments of Natural Resources and Transportation, and the Office of Environmental Assistance. Other sponsors include building industry sources such as Aspen Research Corporation.
The interdisciplinary nature of CSBR is reflected in the staff which includes architects, mechanical engineers, and psychologists. In addition there are several affiliated faculty in the College of Design as well as in other units such as the College of Natural Resources and the College of Human Ecology.
The Center for Sustainable Building Research is a place for organizing and effectively growing the research and outreach missions of the college, as well as working with other units to enhance the college's teaching mission. CSBR serves as a resource for State of Minnesota, the design professions, and the building industry.
