The Low Carbon Building R+D (LCB R+D) initiative is a comprehensive research network that aims to tackle complex challenges related to reducing carbon emissions in our built environment, and build capacity toward a new framework by which the University of Michigan (U-M) can address these challenges. This includes fostering collaborative exchanges across diverse disciplines that go beyond traditional alignments, creating synergy with current and future research and education missions at U-M, and enhancing outreach efforts to engage regional stakeholders. At the core of the initiative is for U-M to develop the first North American comprehensive campus living lab program for the built environment. This consortium-level initiative is founded on the recognition that achieving successful readiness of building-scale innovations necessitates a new model of translational research and collaboration, one that can effectively respond to today’s evolving research needs and societal demands. 

The Initiative seeks to:

• Assemble an interdisciplinary cohort of researchers interested in developing the next generation of integrated low-carbon building solutions
• Co-develop a shared vision and priorities between researchers, industry partners, and community stakeholders
• Leverage current research strengths and identifying gaps that need to be bridged
• Develop use-inspired research and opportunities with campus living labs as part of the research infrastructure at U-M
• Advance translational research through testing and demonstration
• Develop corresponding educational opportunities and workforce training programs
• Develop roadmap and programs to support retention of talent for job growth in Michigan through public/private sector engagement
• Establish cross-sector relationships with national and international research groups and labs with similar motivations