Mission Statement
Promoting & advancing the development of healthy, durable & sustainable shelter for Alaskans & other circumpolar people through applied research.
The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) is an organization located in Alaska to serve the technical and building performance needs of builders, developers, financial institutions, public officials, home owners, and other end users in cold climate regions of the world.
The CCHRC will conduct applied research on housing and other buildings' performance in a broad test area of varying climates, particularly those extreme climates located in the circumpolar areas of the world.
The CCHRC will test product performance, test whole building performance, and develop and test new technology and building methods appropriate for cold and other extreme climates found in high latitudes.
The CCHRC will examine and evaluate the cost effectiveness of the building methods, building materials, building guidelines, codes and standards utilized in cold climates. Alternative methods and building standards will be evaluated for possible reductions in construction costs, improvements in energy efficiency or improvements in whole building performance.
The CCHRC will examine and evaluate the performance experience of buildings constructed under Alaska's Building Energy Efficiency Standards and other building standards and programs used in circumpolar climates.
The CCHRC will conduct research into building performance and building response to periodic flooding, seismic activities, high winds, extreme temperatures and other natural hazards as they might occur in those climates located in the circumpolar areas of the world.
The CCHRC will work with building officials and financing groups to improve the quality, cost effectiveness, affordability, durability, and the long term performance of housing and other buildings, both existing or to be constructed, in the extreme climates of the circumpolar areas of the world.
The CCHRC programs will have a firm connection to, and interaction with, the Alaska home building industry to link the research thrust with practical industry needs and the research findings with ongoing improvements in industry methods and practices. All programs, projects, and testing of the CCHRC will be results oriented with a focus on seeking workable answers to real problems of home building in severe polar and sub-polar climatic areas.
The CCHRC is committed to the development, promotion, and adoption of
techniques and methods of construction that promote safe, affordable,
durable and energy efficient housing for Alaskans.