Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory FLEXLAB

This User Facility will comprise a set of test beds and simulation platforms for research, development, and demonstration of low-energy building technology, control systems, and building systems integration. The facilities are designed to address critical technical challenges for low-energy buildings. They will serve a national need to support the aggressive pursuit of energy efficiency strategies established by the Department of Energy (DOE) for existing and new buildings and promote the widespread deployment of these strategies. LBNL is currently developing a service model that will accommodate the varying industry and R&D needs required to effectively develop deployable technology systems.

The User Facility will consist of a series of unique energy-efficient building systems test beds in new and existing structures at Berkeley Lab. Researchers will be able to replace prototype building systems such as exterior building envelope, windows and shading systems, lights, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), energy control systems, roofs, and skylights, and interior components such as ceilings and raised floors.