About NIBS

Our Story

We were created by act of Congress in 1974 to be the nation’s authoritative source of findings and recommendations that impact and improve the built environment for the American people.  At the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), we connect research, policy, and practical application to advance innovation in the built environment. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient, and technologically advanced infrastructure that serves American communities and strengthens our nation’s future.

From shaping industry standards to guiding digital transformation, we empower building professionals, policymakers, and owners to make informed decisions that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. We convene experts across sectors to develop solutions that ensure construction, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness keep pace with evolving challenges. Through initiatives such as the Digital Technology Council (DTC) and the Facility Management & Operations Council (FMOC), NIBS is at the forefront of advancing best practices. We help develop and refine standards, including NBIMS, NCS, and ANSI/ASHRAE/NIBS SPC 224, to support industry-wide adoption of data-centric approaches and emerging technologies.  We are stewards of the Whole Building Design Guide and the SF Tool, and we keep these comprehensive resources, which guide public buildings and infrastructure, freely available to the public.

Building American Innovation isn’t just our tagline—it’s our commitment. We foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia to drive forward-thinking strategies for resilient communities. Because at NIBS, we don’t just build structures, we build solutions.

OUR MISSION: TO SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST BY ADVANCING BUILDING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT.

Meet the Board 

NIBS is directed by a 21-member Board of Directors. Fifteen members are elected, and six members are appointed by the President of the United States, subject to the approval by the U.S. Senate.

WHAT OUR MEMBER HAVE TO SAY

Industry Recognition

Explore our Councils 

NIBS operates eight volunteer bodies, including seven councils and the WBDG workgroup. Each group retains a special focus and is governed by a voluntary board with nationally recognized leaders in appropriate disciplines. Our councils and workgroup include:

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