Center for Building Energy Research

Contact CBER

Center for Building Energy Research

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

[IMAGE]Interlock House

The "Interlock House" is Iowa State University's entry in the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon competition in 2009. CBER is leading the interdisciplinary team of faculty and students.

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

CBER Leads Solar
Decathlon Team

Iowa State University has been accepted as one of only 20 teams into the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon competition for 2009. Within the Center for Building Energy Research, a team of faculty and students from 11 departments in five colleges has formed as the first team from the state of Iowa to participate.

» ISU Solar Decathlon Web site