The Center for Advanced Research in Building Science and Energy (CARBSE) aims to provide impetus for research in building science, leading to energy efficiency in the built environment. Its objective is to conduct in-depth research in the fields of energy-efficient building design, energy-efficient construction processes, environmentally friendly construction materials, cooling and comfort, the health and well-being of building occupants, and resource audit & management.
CARBSE serves as a pivotal hub for high-impact research aimed at optimising energy consumption within the built environment, with the developmental goal of India as a high priority. Formally established in 2008, it is now operational under the CEPT Research and Development Foundation and the CEPT Advisory Foundation, which are wholly owned legal entities of CEPT University.
For operational purposes, CARBSE operates with three research groups that are interdependent. They are Material and Construction, Cooling and Comfort, and Modelling and Information Technology.
CARBSE is recognised as a Center of Excellence on Passive Strategies by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Regional Energy Efficiency Centers (Buildings) by US AID ECOIII Project (2008-2014) and Center of Excellence by Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA). It was hosted as Center for Building Energy Research and Development (CBERD) under Indo-U.S. joint Clean Energy R&D Centre (JCERDC 2012-2018) and iNUMBER center as part of the Joint Indo-UK Energy Demand Reduction project (2014-2020). CARBSE played a crucial role in conceptualising and conducting the Global Cooling Prize (2018-2021).
CARBSE laboratory facilities are recognised and accredited by agencies such as the National Accreditation Boards of Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), and are a part of the International Glass Database network maintained by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
CARBSE operates out of the Net Zero Energy Building at the CEPT University campus, Ahmedabad.