Stefano Schiavon

Stefano Schiavon is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as Associate Director of the Center for Environmental Design Research (CEDR). His work bridges engineering and architectural disciplines to advance sustainable building practices through energy efficiency and occupant well-being.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from the University of Padova, Italy (2009)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, summa cum laude, from the University of Padova, Italy (2005)

Schiavon's research centers on reducing building energy consumption while enhancing occupant health and productivity. Key focus areas include thermal comfort optimization, indoor air quality improvement, HVAC system innovation, and building performance simulation. His methodology integrates laboratory measurements, post-occupancy evaluations, and field studies to address critical challenges in sustainable architecture and building renovation, with particular attention to occupant satisfaction and physiological responses.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on causal inference methods in building science, climate-responsive design, and occupant-centric controls. His work increasingly addresses emerging challenges like wildfire smoke mitigation, demand flexibility programs, and safe indoor temperature thresholds during extreme weather events, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation across engineering, architecture, and public health domains.

His notable scientific awards include:

• REHVA Young Scientist Award (2010)
• ASHRAE Ralph Nevins Physiology and Human Environment Award (2013)
• Three best paper awards from Building and Environment (2018)

Schiavon actively leads research initiatives through the Center for the Built Environment (CBE), developing influential tools like the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool and CBE Clima Tool. His team conducts field studies on occupant behavior, window view quality, and personal comfort systems, with significant contributions to standards development and practical building performance guidelines.