Jayati Chhabra

I hold a degree in building performance, which is basically running energy modeling and carbon analysis of buildings so that we can reduce consumption. I've been working in the industry for 5 years now. Currently, I'm with a company called Claire Brook Energy Solutions, where we are consultants who take models from architects and engineers and help them reduce energy through strategies like lighting and HVAC. I also serve as the vice president for a non-profit organization called IBPSA USA, which is the biggest organization for building performance and the simulations that we run on the computer. My journey started with a bachelor's degree in architecture back in India, which I pursued because I wanted to go into a multidisciplinary field that included design, engineering, history, and behavioral psychology. During my architecture studies, I felt driven to make a social impact, which led me to become passionate about climate change. Buildings actually contribute 40% to carbon and energy, and that's what drove me towards running energy analysis and doing something so that we can just make buildings like trees. I've been on the board of directors for IBPSA USA since I graduated, contributing to the strategic vision to spread awareness about building performance. I served as secretary for 2 years before stepping into the role of vice president in February this year, where I'm chairing and being a member of various committees. I was recently affected by layoffs at PNNL, a national lab where I was working, due to governmental funding issues. As a foreign national on a work visa, I had just 60 days to find another job, but I'm now in my new position.