IBR & I Institute of Building Research & Innovation ZT GmbH

The IBR & I Institute of Building Research & Innovation ZT GmbH (IBRI) is an Austrian private research institute founded in 2013 by Renate Hammer and Peter Holzer. Based in Vienna, it operates as an independent, interdisciplinary research organisation focused on human-centred building research, sustainable construction, and resilient living environments. The institute combines scientific excellence with technical expertise to address the needs of people, communities, and the environment. IBRI's work spans national and international projects, often in collaboration with universities, public institutions, housing and real estate developers, and architectural offices. Its research areas include resilient cooling of buildings, circular economy in construction, and sustainable urban development. The institute is actively involved in international research programmes such as the IEA EBC (International Energy Agency Energy in Buildings and Communities) Annex 80 on Resilient Cooling of Buildings, where it has contributed to state-of-the-art reviews and technology profiles. The institute positions itself as a bridge between research and practice, emphasising open collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based approaches. Its team brings together interdisciplinary expertise with a shared vision of creating sustainable, resilient, and humane living spaces. Through its publications, projects, and partnerships, IBRI aims to transform research into practical solutions that shape the future of the built environment. As a private research institute, IBRI operates independently of political or commercial agendas, allowing it to pursue research questions that serve the public good. Its work is characterised by a cooperative and practice-oriented approach, exploring how the built environment can become more sustainable, equitable, and future-proof. The institute's projects and publications, such as the IEA EBC Annex 80 reports, are widely recognised in the field of building research.

The Institute of Building Research & Innovation (IBRI) was founded in 2013 by Renate Hammer and Peter Holzer in Austria. The founders established the institute with the goal of advancing research in the field of human-centred building research. Since its founding, IBRI has developed into a vibrant hub for researchers committed to change, open collaboration, and knowledge exchange beyond political or entrepreneurial agendas. From its early years, the institute has worked with a broad network of partners, collaborating nationally and internationally with universities, public institutions, housing and real estate developers, and architectural offices. This collaborative approach has enabled IBRI to tackle complex challenges in an interdisciplinary manner and translate research into practical solutions. A significant milestone for the institute was its involvement in the International Energy Agency's Energy in Buildings and Communities (IEA EBC) programme, particularly Annex 80 on Resilient Cooling of Buildings. IBRI contributed to key publications, including the "State of the Art Review" (2022) and the "Technology Profiles Report," which have become reference works in the field. The institute also participates in other international projects such as EN.E.A. 2025 Annex 97 / Task 5 on Sustainable Cooling in Cities and the Circular Knowledge Hub 2026. IBRI's research focuses on making the built environment more sustainable, equitable, and future-proof. The institute emphasises a cooperative and practice-oriented approach, developing informed and responsible solutions that respond to today's challenges and shape the spaces of tomorrow. Through its publications, projects, and partnerships, IBRI continues to advance the field of building research and innovation.

• 2026

  Circular Knowledge Hub project

• 2025

  Participation in EN.E.A. 2025 Annex 97 / Task 5 Sustainable Cooling in Cities

• 2022

  Publication of IEA EBC Annex 80 – Resilient Cooling of Buildings: State of the Art Review

• 2013

  Institute founded by Renate Hammer and Peter Holzer

Independent private research institute bridging science and practice for sustainable, resilient, and human-centred built environments.

• 2022

  IEA EBC Annex 80 – Resilient Cooling of Buildings: State of the Art Review

• IEA EBC Annex 80 – Technology Profiles Report

1. 1Institute of Building Research & Innovationibri.at
2. 2About Us – Institute of Building Research & Innovationibri.at
3. 3Wikidata – IBR & I Institute of Building Research & Innovation ZT GmbHwikidata.org