The Building Research Establishment (BRE) is a UK government institution (now a private entity) dedicated to research, advice and development of expertise for the construction and built environment sectors in the UK. The BRE is headquartered and located in Watford with regional sites in Glasgow and Swansea.[1]​.

At the BRE areas of interest are involvement in the preparation of national and international standards and building codes, including UK building controls. The organization is now funded by income from its commercial programs, publications, third-party work, and by research funds funded by government and industry.[2] It also has UKAS-accredited Testing Laboratories.

The BRE also owns and operates the BREEAM and EcoHomes environmental rating schemes, and promotes the German Passivhaus ultra-low energy building in the UK. It also promotes the delivery of training courses.

It has sister companies such as: BRE Global is an independent division for fire certification, safety, sustainability products and services.

The BRE International Sustainability Alliance (ISA) is a membership organization that welcomes owners, occupiers and investors who wish to come together to share best practice in the sustainable management of their property portfolios to improve financial performance.

BRE Trust

BRE was founded in 1921 when the Building Research Board, East Acton was part of the British Civil Service as an effort to improve the quality of [[accommodation]]s in the United Kingdom.[4][5]​.

During the Second World War he was involved in the confidential search and development of the bouncing bomb, for use against the Möhne Dyke in the famous Dambusters Raid of 1943. The small scale model of the dam used for testing can still be found today, at the Center in Garston, Watford.[6]​.

BRE was a founding member of BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association), in 1976.