New Buildings Institute

New Buildings Institute
Name	New Buildings Institute
Formation	1996
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	Portland, Oregon
Area served	United States, Canada
Focus	Energy efficiency, Building performance, Zero energy buildings

New Buildings Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the energy performance of commercial and multi-family buildings through research, standards development, technical assistance, and advocacy. Founded in 1996 and based in Portland, Oregon, the organization works across the United States and Canada with utilities, policymakers, developers, and design teams to promote high-efficiency and zero energy outcomes. The institute engages with building codes, incentive programs, and professional networks to accelerate adoption of advanced technologies and best practices.

History

New Buildings Institute was established in 1996 amid growing interest in sustainable design and energy efficiency in the wake of initiatives like the Energy Policy Act of 1992, regional programs such as the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, and evolving practice from firms like Perkins+Will and BDP. Early work focused on commercial new construction while the organization expanded through collaborations with utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Puget Sound Energy, and municipal efforts including the City of Seattle and City of Vancouver (British Columbia). Over time the institute contributed to state and provincial policy discussions in jurisdictions such as California, Oregon, Washington (state), and British Columbia, alongside national dialogues involving entities like the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Mission and Programs

The institute's mission targets improved building energy performance through programs that include technical assistance, code advocacy, and market transformation. Core programs intersect with professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the International Code Council while serving stakeholders including utilities like Eversource Energy and agencies such as the California Energy Commission. Programmatic offerings span guidance for designers influenced by practice from firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and HOK, tools used by engineers familiar with standards from ASHRAE, and training delivered with partners like Association of Energy Engineers.

Standards and Research

New Buildings Institute develops research, metrics, and clearinghouse resources to inform energy policy and practice. Significant outputs include the development of performance targets used alongside consensus standards such as ASHRAE Standard 90.1, interactions with the International Energy Conservation Code, and benchmarking methodologies compatible with platforms like ENERGY STAR and LEED (certification). Research collaborations have involved institutions such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, universities like Oregon State University and University of British Columbia, and think tanks including the Rocky Mountain Institute. The institute tracks metrics for zero energy buildings in relation to initiatives like the Zero Energy Project and federal goals articulated in documents from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Projects and Case Studies

The institute documents demonstration projects and case studies across sectors including office, education, healthcare, and multifamily housing, showcasing work by architecture firms such as ZGF Architects, Mithun, and Gensler. Case studies highlight retrofit examples led by municipal clients like the City of Portland, Oregon and institutional projects at campuses including Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley. Projects often reference technologies from manufacturers represented at trade shows like AHR Expo and practices aligned with movements such as Passive House and programs like New York State Energy Research and Development Authority initiatives.

Partnerships and Advocacy

Partnerships form a core strategy, with alliances involving utilities including Southern California Edison and BC Hydro, nonprofit networks such as Rocky Mountain Institute and Sustainable Buildings Canada, and professional bodies like American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and the Institute for Market Transformation. Advocacy efforts engage with code-development processes at the International Code Council and public policy in states like California and New York (state), and with federal efforts tied to the U.S. Department of Energy and congressional programs. The institute also collaborates with philanthropic organizations such as the Energy Foundation and regional initiatives like the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships.

Funding and Governance

Funding sources include contracts and grants from utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric Company, government agencies such as the California Energy Commission and federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, foundation support from organizations like the Kresge Foundation and the Energy Foundation, and fees for services from private-sector clients including developers and architecture firms like Perkins+Will and Gensler. Governance is overseen by a board composed of leaders from institutions such as National Grid, academic representatives from universities like University of Oregon, and executives with experience at consultancies like ICF International.

Impact and Recognition

The institute has influenced building codes, incentive programs, and market adoption of zero energy practices, contributing to outcomes recognized by peers in organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy and award programs like the AIA Committee on the Environment honors. Its research and guidance are cited in code updates by the International Code Council and energy policy discussions in states including California and Oregon. Collaborations with utilities and institutions including Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Stanford University have yielded demonstrable energy savings documented in reports used by regulators, academics, and practitioners across North America.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Portland, Oregon Category:Energy conservation in the United States