Cold Climate Housing Research Center
955 Draanjik Drive

UAF photo by Nicole Behr
The  building and infrastructure research and testing facility is located on the Fairbanks
                                       campus. It was completed in September 2006. CCHRC was organized as an industry-based
                                       nonprofit corporation. In June 2020, staff became employees of the U.S. Department of Energy鈥檚 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The CCHRC nonprofit continues to own the
                                          building.
The facility is designed and constructed to meet the exacting standards of the U.S.
                                       Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold rating. 
                                       Every material, building technique and system in the structure, from the foundation
                                       to the mechanical systems, is designed for cold climates and is being monitored and
                                       evaluated for operational efficiency in all weather conditions.  It is a living test
                                       center with over 400 built-in monitors to assess performance of everything from the
                                       moisture content of the walls to the slightest shift in foundation. 
In January 2011, the USGBC awarded the center platinum status under the LEED standards,
                                       the highest rating available. The center is the world鈥檚 farthest-north commercial
                                       building with LEED platinum certification.  
Feature story: Partnership helps Alaskans build better homes
