The importance of the built environment for living standards and quality of life is indisputable. Based on societal needs, political policies, the potential for funding and the IV Faculty’s expertise in the sector, IV will meet the challenges of the built environment nationally and globally, such as efficiency, use of energy and resources, the environment, the climate, durability and resilience, with research aimed at a sustainable built environment. This includes operations, maintenance, modernization and development of the existing building stock. It is estimated that 80% of the buildings that will be used in 2050 have already been built. The research is directed at a Green Shift and a Digital Future.

A prerequisite for the research strategy is development and basic research within structural engineering, hydrological disciplines, transport studies, building materials and building physics (including acoustics and fire), construction engineering, geotechnical engineering and geology, with targeted use of information technology and laboratories as research tools. The strategy must be considered as a combined, coordinated commitment, where contributions from all relevant academic environments at NTNU and collaborating institutions in the field of construction are necessary.