Bruno Grunau

Bruno Grunau oversees NREL's Alaska Campus work in building science, energy policy, and demonstration of healthy, affordable, durable shelter and infrastructure in extreme environments. Bruno has a strong research and engineering background that includes building envelope performance, ventilation and indoor air quality, and building foundations on permafrost. He has worked with the military to develop tools for evaluating and building on permafrost, developed innovative mechanical systems to improve air quality in high-efficiency homes, and spearheaded research on the hygrothermal performance of super-insulated wall systems. In 2015, he and his wife built a zero-energy-ready home in Fairbanks that combines solar, biomass, thermal storage, and an air source heat pump to eliminate fossil fuels for heating in the subarctic climate. 

Extreme climate building science

Solar design and thermal storage

Building interactions on permafrost

Heating and ventilation

Building envelopes

Environmental, energy, and climate justice 

President, Cold Climate Housing Research Center (2019–2020)

Chief Engineer, Remote Power Inc. (2008–2010)

Mechanical Engineer, Shock and Vibration Test Laboratory contracted by U.S. Navy (2001–2008)