The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has 'asbsorbed' the The Institute for Sustainability (ifS) after a lack of funds led to the organisation being placed into administration.

In 2009, the ifS was established as an independent charity to 'support cross sector collaboration and innovation.'

However after a period of initial development and growth, Trustees placed the organisation into administration due to 'changing grant funding arrangements and certain unanticipated issues.'

The BRE has now acquired assets of the ifS, with senior staff joining to strengthen the BRE's sustainability programmes, particularly in relation to urban development.


IfS Director Cathy Crawley said: "We look forward to continuing to work with our key clients and partners and are very pleased that our current trustees have pledged their ongoing support in this new phase of our business.

"We plan to establish an IfS Advisory Board to capture the skills and commitment of stakeholders who want to support the transition of IfS into BRE and to further the legacy and objectives of IFS."

BRE Chief Executive Dr Peter Bonfield added: "BRE shares with IfS a commitment and track record in bringing low carbon expertise and innovation to bear on the planning, design and operation of buildings, communities and cities.

"Following the global agreement achieved at COP21, this expertise is needed now more than ever as we transition to a low carbon global economy. We are pleased to strengthen our team capabilities with IfS expertise."

(LM)