The Boston University Urban Laboratory uses the Department\u2019s home, the Stone Science Building, as a living laboratory for the study of urban building energy, green roof studies, and Boston\u2019s \u201cUrban Metabolism.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside the building, high-precision greenhouse gas analyzers connect to rooftop sensors that measure the ebbs and flows of Boston\u2019s atmospheric carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane\u2014the \u2018breathing\u2019 of the city. These sensors can also be configured to \u2018look inward,\u2019 measuring the building\u2019s own metabolism, arising from the metabolism of people and building energy systems. These measurements allow researchers to understand the impact of sustainable energy systems on building and city-wide carbon footprints.<\/p>\n
Green roof facilities at Boston University include the Stone Science Greenhouse, a pioneering green roof facility dating to the 1940s, and rooftop ecology studies of plant and insect succession.<\/p>\n