The CSIR undertakes building performance research to inform the development of innovations, best-practice guidelines and implementation support in the built environment. Building performance can be described in terms of four elements: indoor environment quality, best-practice design, sustainable design and building industry efficiency.

Research focuses on healthy indoor environments – the evaluation of indoor environment quality indicators and risk assessments, particularly in healthcare environments, using CSIR 4IR technologies. Sustainable building design, energy efficiency in buildings and environmental responsibility in design and construction are areas of research expertise, and are key to addressing climate change and developing resilient human settlements. Research activities contribute to building regulations and efficiency guidelines, and policy development.

Key activities include capacity-building (internally and in public and private sectors), dissemination of research findings, building innovation, and facilitation of the uptake of science, technology and innovation in the infrastructure sector.