The Building Research Establishment (BRE) was established as a UK government research body, in 1921, under the name of the 'Building Research Board. It's remit was to conduct research to improve living standards, the quality of housing and construction standards. Initially based at East Acton, the BRE moved to its current home, at Garston, Hertfordshire, in 1925. Post Second World War, the BRE was at the forefront of research into new materials and pre-fabrication techniques, alongside pioneering energy efficiency work. The BRE was given executive agency status in 1990 but was privatised shortly afterwards, in 1997.