Instructional Applications of Community as Living Lab On and Off Campus

This video from the Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow (BEST) Center features a panel discussion on "using facilities outside campus labs to provide hands-on opportunities for students." This discussion was held at the 2025 BEST Center Annual Institute: Ensuring Sustainability: Energy Efficient Buildings & Technician Education.

The panelists identify eight elements to building a "living lab." These elements include student engagement, integrating the lab into the curriculum, building industry partnerships, and opening the lab to the community. The speakers discuss the impact a living lab can have on the student experience, and challenges encountered when collaborating with off-site entities. The panelists share two case studies of living lab student engagement projects. The panel concludes with an opportunity for attendees of the live session to share their own instructional experiences.

This video runs 00:45:59 minutes in length. Other videos in this series are available to view separately.