National Institute of Building Sciences Celebrates 50 Years of Service to the Nation
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National Institute of Building Sciences Celebrates 50 Years of Service to the Nation

NIBS was established by Congress to support public and private building technology advancing the nation’s structures

 (WASHINGTON, DC, January 30, 2024) – 2024 marks five decades of significant contribution and service by the National Institute of Building Sciences to the U.S. built environment.

NIBS was officially established in August 1974, by the U.S. Congress in the Housing and Community Development Act, Public Law 93-383. At that time, Congress recognized the need for an organization to serve as an authoritative source supporting government and private sector building science research, code/standards development, and innovative technology integration.

“We are planning to celebrate this important milestone throughout the year,” said Stephen T. Ayers, Interim President & CEO. “This is our chance to honor the relationships we have formed, research we have developed, and stakeholders we continue to serve. Our work is far from over.”

Several special events are planned in 2024, including the release of a comprehensive 50th Anniversary Report, launch of new online resources reflecting NIBS achievements, and a Golden Anniversary celebration during Building Innovation 2024 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC in May.

NIBS: Our Beginnings to Today

In the late 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson launched a ‘War on Poverty’ that included the formation of the National Commission on Urban Problems to research U.S. housing and building development focusing on model codes, standards, zoning, and taxes. Two years later, the commission revealed a national labyrinth of building codes and standards lacking uniformity and modernization and identified the need for a national resource to provide solutions.

NIBS was established as that resource in 1974.

Some examples of NIBS contributions over the years include:

Learn more about joining NIBS as an individual or organizational member, supporting events and programs, or becoming a partner.

About NIBS

National Institute of Building Sciences brings together labor and consumer interests, government representatives, regulatory agencies, and members of the building industry to identify and resolve problems and potential issues in the built environment. NIBS is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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