Invitation to collaboration Research-based knowledge that improves buildings and the built environment www.sbi.dk
Research that works SBi is the Danish Building Research Institute, a government research institute attached to the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs. Our mission is to develop research-based knowledge that improves buildings and the built environment. We cooperate with businesses, authorities and organisations that can strengthen the transformation of our knowledge into practice. Our research is characterised by a comprehensive approach that includes perception, function and economy. We collaborate with other research institutions and educational establishments that can supplement our own competences. This invitation to collaboration briefly presents our fields of expertise. Should it create interest in a specific partnership, we look forward to hearing from you. Further information about the Institute can be found at www.sbi.dk/english Primary tasks Research Communication Consultancy for public authorities Education Lone Møller Sørensen Director Vision SBi contributes to realising the goal that Denmark has the best conditions in Europe for increasing quality and growth in the building and housing sector. SBi is recognised for its independent research and high-quality consultancy. SBi is known as the leading knowledge centre for the Danish building and housing sector.
Areas of competence Building Design and Technology with focus on increased technical and functional quality in buildings, including structural safety Energy and Environment with focus on reducing the energy consumption and environmental impact of buildings, during both the construction and operation phases Health and Comfort with focus on healthy buildings and the interaction between the many factors in the indoor environment Process and Innovation with focus on increased quality and productivity in the building sector by improving the building process and strengthening the role of the building owner Housing and Urban Renewal with focus on a better functioning and more flexible housing market together with efficient urban renewal
Research on building design and technology seeks to improve the quality of buildings in terms of building technology, function and aesthetics. This is achieved by formulating performance-based specifications based on empirical and theoretical research-based knowledge. These specifications are then used to develop relevant design solutions. Research on energy and the environment aims to develop practical and useable methods for achieving significant reductions in the energy consumption and environmental impact of new and existing buildings. The long-term aim is to achieve energy neutral and environmentally neutral new buildings and at least a 50% reduction in the energy consumption and environmental impact of existing buildings. Research on health and comfort develops user-oriented knowledge of how the design, furnishing, operation and maintenance of buildings affect occupants health and comfort. Methods for comprehensive assessment of the indoor environment are developed, including the individual impact and the interaction between several impacts. The aim is to establish a basis for the classification of the indoor environment in buildings. Research on process and innovation aims to develop increased quality and productivity in the building sector by developing the building process and the concept of value, as well as by strengthening the innovative capabilities of businesses. By integrating empirical and theoretical, research-based knowledge, the aim is to contribute to the development of building policies as well as to provide methods and tools for the development of the building sector. Research on housing and urban renewal surveys and analyses the restructuring processes in the housing market. The research contributes with knowledge and forward-looking ideas for the general debate on housing and urban renewal, as well as to the development of housing and urban renewal policies that result in more and better houses, together with vibrant urban areas. SBi has a wide range of laboratory facilities to support research activities. These laboratories include facilities for testing the performance of structures and materials with regard to strength and stability, moisture conditions, accelerated ageing and thermographical measurements, together with investigations of air quality and ventilation conditions as well as analyses of daylighting and artificial lighting. Read more about the Institute s ongoing research at www.sbi.dk/english
Collaboration SBi carries out research in cooperation with Danish and international partners in the private and public sectors: Businesses, trade organisations and information councils Government ministries, local authorities and the EU Commission Public and private research foundations Research institutions and educational establishments SBi has in cooperation with consulting engineering firms developed an integrated software package (www.bsim.dk) for simulating the indoor climate, ventilation, thermal and solar conditions of buildings all on the basis of one single 3D building model. The individual partnerships can have different purposes: Implementation of research projects Coordination of large research programmes Development and testing of new solutions and products Evaluation of building processes and products Evaluation of legislation and development programmes Establishment of networks and secretariat services for professional networks Communication of empirical and theoretical research-based knowledge Education and training Competence development through exchange of researchers SBi also produces a number of tangible products as a result of the Institute s research: - Guidelines, Internet solutions and other communication activities - Reports on research projects - Development of software to support the design process In general, a partnership with SBi includes a financial commitment from the involved partners. This includes, where clients commission SBi to carry out a specific task, and also where businesses and organisations contribute with manpower through their participation in the project. Financial commitments ensure our partners involved participation. Danish Building Research Institute, 2004 Danish Building Research Institute Dr. Neergaards Vej 15 2970 Hørsholm Denmark Telephone +45 45 86 55 33 sbi@sbi.dk www.sbi.dk Design: Mollerup Designlab A/S Printing: Nofoprint A/S Illustrations: Page 1: Nils Lykke Sørensen. Thomas Kampann. Mikkel Frost/Cebra Arkitekter. Page 2: Ricky John Molloy. Page 3: Getty Images. Page 4: Ove Nesdam. Jørgen True. Søren Bøgh. Sabine Skovfoged Østergaard. Page 5: Jørgen True. Page 6: Morten Kjærgaard.