The National Center for Integrated Studies and Research in Building (CNERIB) is a research Center under the supervision of the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, the City and Urban Development (MHUVAT). It was established in 1982 through the restructuring of the National Institute for Building Studies and Research (INERBA).
- Decree No. 82-319 of October 23, 1982, transforming INERBA into CNERIB.
Era 1978–1987
Founded in 1978, INERBA’s mission was to support the large-scale construction programs planned at the time. Studies conducted during the period 1978–1982 focused on the following themes:
- Urban planning and development;
- Housing and collective facilities;
- Technologies and building materials;
- Housing economics;
- Training and professional development plans for workers in the sector.
During 1982–1985, CNERIB maintained certain research areas but reduced the scope of its missions (eliminating activities related to housing economics, training, and socio-professional promotion). Its main activities focused on:
- General studies (urban planning and development);
- Materials, equipment, and technologies;
- Housing and collective facilities.
During this period, the Center acquired its first laboratory testing and on-site measurement equipment.
From 1985 to 1987, CNERIB’s missions were significantly narrowed: general urban planning and development studies were discontinued, while the technology/materials research axis was maintained.
This period was characterized by the development of a single research focus on the valorization and development of local materials. Projects included:
- Stabilized earth concrete (BTS);
- Plaster and plaster components;
- Metal construction systems;
- Industrialization of secondary building trades.
Era 1987–2003
Under the provisions of Decree No. 83-521 of September 10, 1983, which defined the status and responsibilities of research centers affiliated with central administrations, CNERIB shifted its focus toward applied research. Key activities during this period included experimental studies, research, and other initiatives contributing to the overall development of the construction sector.
New research themes were closely aligned with legislative texts published during this period, including Law No. 99-09 of July 28, 1999, on energy management; Law No. 03-10 of July 19, 2003, on environmental protection within sustainable development; Executive Decree No. 93-184 of July 27, 1993, regulating noise emissions. This period also saw the establishment of procedures for issuing technical opinions on new materials and construction methods.
Research projects were structured around the following key axes:
- Development of new material sectors;
- Development of regulatory aspects of construction;
- Enhancement of technical construction regulations;
- Research on construction-related themes concerning building physics (thermal, acoustic, environmental, etc.);
- Certification of construction products and materials.
Era 2003–Present
This period is marked by a change in status and an expansion of CNERIB’s missions. Decree No. 03-443 of November 29, 2003, granted the Center the status of a Public Scientific and Technological Institution under Decree 99-256 of November 16, 1999, as amended and supplemented.
Beyond the original missions defined in Decree No. 82-319 of October 23, 1982, the Center is responsible for developing and implementing national scientific research and technological development programs within its field of expertise, particularly regarding the development of materials, products, equipment, and methods in housing and urban planning.
This research and development activity is complemented by other scientific and technical activities, including technical regulations, quality control, technical assistance and expertise, pre-standardization, scientific and technical information, and training.
Research activities are conducted under Law No. 98-11 of August 22, 1998, and Law No. 08-05 of February 23, 2008, establishing five-year orientation and programming laws for scientific research, in accordance with the general policy of the construction sector.
CNERIB’s research actions are organized around the following thematic poles:
- Applied research with pre-normative and regulatory purposes;
- Research aimed at developing and valorizing construction materials, products, and components;
- Research on construction techniques using locally available materials and products;
- Research addressing indoor environmental issues in buildings (acoustics, thermal performance, ventilation, and air quality);
- Research focused on energy efficiency and energy management;
- Research on environmental protection and sustainable development;
- Research in geotechnics aimed at understanding geotechnical hazards and their management.