About BSRIA
BSRIA is a test, instruments, research and consultancy organisation in construction and building services.
The Heating and Ventilating Research Council was established in 1955 in the aftermath of the second world war to help the construction industry benefit from the latest research. It went on to become the Heating and Ventilating Research Association in 1959 and then in 1975, the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA).
Now generally referred to simply as BSRIA, it is a non-profit distributing, member-based association, with profits invested back into its research programmes. Its trading company, BSRIA Limited, was established in 2000. This is a wholly-owned subsidiary that undertakes all trading activities, including research and membership services.
BSRIA is a science-driven, independent organisation providing practical guidance and commercial solutions for the built environment. With 70 years of expertise, BSRIA delivers impactful insights through market intelligence, consultancy, testing, compliance, research, training, and instrumentation.
Committed to shaping the future of the built environment, BSRIA collaborates with industry leaders to drive innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Its UKAS-accredited test facilities and expert consultants equip businesses and consumers with the insights and tools needed to create better buildings.
Headquartered in Bracknell, UK, with offices in China and the USA, BSRIA supports a global network of organisations and corporations in the built environment.
BSRIA undertakes activities include:
- Design support.
- Construction compliance.
- Facilities management support.
- Testing.
- Instrument solutions.
- Market intelligence and management consultancy.
It offers corporate membership, with benefits including access to research and information, education and market research, as well as having member interests represented to the wider industry and government by the BSRIA council.
A list of articles contributed by BSRIA on Designing Buildings Wiki is available here.
A list of definitions contributed by BSRIA on Designing Buildings Wiki is available here.
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.