The National Institute of Building Sciences stands ready to offer expertise on the science, best practices and technology to build and rebuild efficiently and sustainably

(WASHINGTON, DC, April 26, 2021) – The following statement has been issued by Lakisha A. Woods, CAE, President and CEO of NIBS:

“As Congress considers legislation to update, repair, expand, and secure our nation’s infrastructure, the National Institute of Building Sciences stands ready to offer our expertise on the science, best practices and technology to build and rebuild efficiently, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

NIBS was established by the U.S. Congress in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383. Congress recognized the need for an organization to serve as an interface between government and the private sector—a resource to those who plan, design, procure, construct, use, operate, maintain, renovate, and retire physical facilities.

We convene the industry, bringing together experts from throughout the built environment, design, architecture, construction, and government. We lead conversations to ensure our buildings and communities remain safe, and we work to seek consensus solutions for mutual problems of concern. We focus on energy efficiency, fire safety, and disaster resilience and hazard mitigation, among other areas of research.

Currently, NIBS is organizing high-level conversations with business and government leaders to develop a U.S. National Building Information Management (BIM) Program to enable digital process standards that will streamline business, accelerate the effectiveness of the supply chain, provide predictable processes, improve project outcomes, drive efficiency, and foster innovation. We hope that as a result of this work, government and industry will be better positioned to leverage technology to rebuild our nation’s buildings and infrastructure more sustainably and cost-effectively.

Our research, including a one-pager of the U.S. National BIM Program, outlines the objective, partnerships, and ways to measure success. Also, our Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2019 Report represents the most exhaustive benefit-cost analysis of natural hazard mitigation, from adopting up-to-date building codes and exceeding codes to addressing the retrofit of existing buildings and utility and transportation infrastructure.

NIBS is well-positioned to provide expertise on industry best practices and standards to help Congress solve the nation’s infrastructure challenges. Please consider us a resource and let us know how we can help.”