Shanti Pless

Shanti is a senior commercial building energy researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). His research focuses broadly on the adoption of net-zero energy and low-carbon design and operational practices in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He also pursues opportunities to ensure his applied research has tangible impact through innovative demonstrations, Cleantech Group startup technical guidance, academic engagements, high-impact publications, and informed industry outreach. Shanti’s active research projects include integrating net-zero carbon strategies into the emerging industrialized and off-site construction sector for affordable housing, following up on several pioneering reports on the topic. He also focuses on supporting innovative development approaches to zero energy, including district-scale energy planning and providing how-to resources for emerging developers. Shanti is active in the green building design and construction industry and is a frequent speaker at industry events. He is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Colorado, teaching classes on sustainable construction and real estate.

The Builders Lab benefits from Shanti’s leading knowledge in innovative and industrialized construction sector growth in the U.S., as well as his aim to utilize these advanced methods of construction to decarbonize the building sector. These insights will enable the program design to align with wide-ranging research and other efforts from the Department of Energy to improve the AEC industry.