Title or occupation/affiliation: Building Energy Research Engineer
Jayati Chhabra serves as a Building Energy Research Engineer at PNNL, where she spearheads the technical development of tool capabilities to aid jurisdictions and organizations in the adoption of Building Performance Standards and Decarbonization Assessments for buildings. In her multifaceted role, she extends her expertise to the UI/UX design of compliance tools, while also providing technical assistance for energy codes including ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and IECC.
Jayati has an architectural background with a master’s degree in high-performance buildings from Georgia Institute of Technology. She also serves as the Secretary for IBPSA-USA.
How long have you been a member of IBPSA-USA?
I’ve been a proud member of IBPSA-USA since 2020, nearly five years now!
Why did you join IBPSA-USA?
Like many, I initially joined IBPSA-USA to expand my network and learn from experienced professionals, especially as I was nearing the completion of my Master's degree and preparing for the next steps in my career. However, in no time I found myself involved in a bunch of undergoing activities driven by the passion to contribute to shaping the future of the industry beyond just my day-to-day work. What makes it even more memorable is my first volunteer/elected role as Student Director in January 2021 as it marked the beginning of my professional journey even before I started my first industry job in February 2021.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of IBPSA-USA?
I love having the chance to share my ideas and collaborate with some of the most experienced leaders in our field, people I once only admired from afar. IBPSA-USA creates an inclusive environment where conversations flourish, and innovative solutions take shape. It has empowered me to step into challenges and leadership roles that have significantly shaped my career, far sooner than I expected.
Can you describe the volunteer work you do with IBPSA-USA?
I wear several hats in my volunteer work with IBPSA-USA. As a Board member, I contribute to making key organizational decisions. I was also elected Secretary of IBPSA-USA this year. As a co-founder and former Chair of EPSI, I now mentor the committee to help provide valuable resources and raise awareness among students and emerging professionals in the industry. Additionally, I co-lead IBPSA-USA’s virtual Career Fair, served as a Steering Committee member for SimBuild 2024, and am currently part of the Project Execution Committee for the BEMP exam workshop, among other initiatives, all aimed at supporting professional development and fostering knowledge-sharing within the field.
How did you get involved with this volunteer work?
I owe my introduction to IBPSA-USA to my research advisor in Georgia Tech, Dr. Tarek Rakha. He shared an IBPSA-USA opportunity that needed someone to take notes and support a research project. That role gave me an insight into the organization’s mission, its vibrant community, and the meaningful work it undertakes, leading to my ongoing involvement.
To someone who is interested in participating in IBPSA-USA, do you have any words of encouragement?
Doing your job is one thing; making a difference is another. Joining IBPSA-USA will offer you the freedom to explore and implement creative solutions that can shape our industry for the better. It’s a rewarding way to tackle challenges you may have always wanted to solve. Moreover, I often tell people, "To be given a chance, you first need to be seen". People can't offer you opportunities if they don’t know you’re out there. Being a part of this organization positions you at the forefront of the industry, opening doors to unexpected opportunities and invaluable exposure that can elevate your career.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field of building performance simulation?
I have two key pieces of advice for anyone entering the field. First, always stay curious. This industry sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and innovation, offering endless learning opportunities. The more you explore, the more you'll realize how much we can contribute to solving global challenges, especially related to increasing carbon emissions.
Second, never forget the immense impact our industry can have. The work we do has the power to transform how buildings interact with the environment. I often imagine a future where buildings, like trees, give back more than they take. The opportunity to shape a sustainable future is in our hands; by building strong foundations in simulation tools and collaborating across disciplines, we can make a real difference.
Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you!
I have a Youtube Dance Channel with more than 30 million views and 95k followers. But I believe a lot of people already know that, so let me try a new one. I can have long conversations with my cat in the meow language, and she always responds with expressive, emotive meows. It's like we have our own little language and we both understand perfectly what the other is saying!
