# Building Research Establishment

> centre of building science in the United Kingdom, owned by charitable organisation the BRE Trust

**Wikidata**: [Q4986494](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4986494)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Research_Establishment)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/building-research-establishment

## Summary
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is a UK-based research institute specializing in building science, owned by the charitable organization the BRE Trust. Founded in 1920, it is a leading center for research and innovation in construction and building technologies.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1920
- **Legal Form**: Charitable organization
- **Location**: Watford, United Kingdom
- **Affiliation**: Owned by the BRE Trust
- **Primary Focus**: Building science and construction research
- **Employees**: 597 (as of 2025)
- **Revenue**: £64.8 million (2025)
- **Industry**: Research
- **Member of**: Open Data Institute (since 2014)
- **Social Media Presence**: Active on Twitter and Instagram under the handle @bre_group

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Building Research Establishment known for?
A: The BRE is known for its research in building science, including materials, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction practices. It is a leading UK institution in this field.

### Q: Who founded the Building Research Establishment?
A: The BRE was founded in 1920, though specific founders are not detailed in the provided source material.

### Q: How many employees does the BRE have?
A: As of 2025, the BRE has 597 employees.

### Q: What is the BRE's revenue?
A: The BRE's revenue for 2025 is reported as £64.8 million.

### Q: Is the BRE affiliated with any other organizations?
A: Yes, the BRE is a member of the Open Data Institute and has collaborated with researchers like Robert Amor.

## Why It Matters
The Building Research Establishment plays a crucial role in advancing building science and sustainable construction in the UK. By conducting research on materials, energy efficiency, and innovative building technologies, the BRE helps improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of buildings. Its work supports the construction industry, policymakers, and the public by providing evidence-based solutions for modern building challenges. As a charitable organization, the BRE also contributes to knowledge dissemination and industry standards, making it a vital institution in the field of construction science.

## Notable For
- **Research Leadership**: The BRE is a pioneer in building science research, particularly in materials and energy efficiency.
- **Charitable Ownership**: Operated by the BRE Trust, ensuring its work is driven by a commitment to public benefit.
- **Collaborative Work**: Has collaborated with researchers like Robert Amor, expanding its expertise in digital and computational aspects of construction.
- **Sustainability Focus**: Contributes to sustainable building practices, aligning with global efforts to reduce environmental impact.
- **Industry Influence**: Its research informs standards and policies, shaping the future of construction in the UK and beyond.

## Body
### Overview
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is a UK-based research institute specializing in building science, owned by the BRE Trust. Founded in 1920, it operates as a charitable organization dedicated to advancing knowledge in construction and building technologies.

### Location and Structure
- **Headquarters**: Located in Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
- **Legal Status**: Charitable organization with a focus on research and innovation.
- **Membership**: Part of the Open Data Institute since 2014.

### Financials
- **Revenue**: £64.8 million (2025)
- **Employees**: 597 (2025)

### Research Focus
- **Primary Areas**: Building materials, energy efficiency, sustainable construction.
- **Collaborations**: Worked with researchers like Robert Amor, a building and construction researcher in New Zealand.

### Digital Presence
- **Website**: [bre.co.uk](https://www.bre.co.uk/)
- **Social Media**: Active on Twitter (@bre_group) and Instagram (@bre_group).
- **Followers**: 29,607 (as of 2023).

### Recognition and Awards
- **Charity Commission Number**: 1092193
- **Global Identifiers**: ISNI (0000000085254704), VIAF (313529647), ROR ID (02fmkev06).

### Historical Context
- **Inception**: Established in 1920, the BRE has a long history of contributing to building science.
- **Evolution**: Over the years, it has adapted to modern research needs, including digital and computational approaches.

### Impact
- **Industry Influence**: Research outputs shape construction standards and practices.
- **Public Benefit**: As a charitable organization, the BRE ensures its work supports societal needs.

### External Links
- **Wikipedia**: [Building Research Establishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Research_Establishment)
- **Commons Image**: [BRE Building](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Building_Research_Station,_Garston-geograph-4613243.jpg)

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://www.theodi.org/organisation/building-research-establishment/)
3. Charity Commission Register of Charities
4. GRID Release 2015-12-14
5. GRID Release 2016-12-06
6. GRID Release 2017-01-10
7. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
8. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
9. HAL
10. [Source](https://ror.org/02fmkev06)
11. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
12. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)