Center for Building Knowledge

The Center for Building Knowledge (CBK) is a 30-year-old research, training and technical assistance institute affiliated with the College of Architecture and Design. CBK is dedicated to generating new knowledge to improve the built environment and enhance the planning, design, construction and operation of facilities. CBK’s mission is to help individuals and communities make better-informed decisions about the performance, sustainability and resilience of buildings. Recently, CBK developed the Clean Energy Learning Center, a new online energy-efficiency training and resource platform for the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. CBK was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with TRC Solutions to pilot test energy efficiency packages at three higher education institutions in New Jersey. Other recent online training programs include methods for saving energy in leased space, affordable housing design and a professional certification in asset scoring. The certification program provides training on the use of a new tool from the DOE that evaluates the energy efficiency of key physical assets within a facility – its building envelope, lighting and HVAC systems – and tabulates an asset score. Developed with the Consortium for Building Energy Innovation, the program launched in April 2016.