Meet our Energy Trailblazer: Yash Vyas
Yash Vyas
PhD Building Science Candidate, Department of Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto, ON
Yash Vyas’s career is a testament to his multidisciplinary approach to solving the challenges of a clean-tech future. With expertise spanning sustainable systems, decarbonization strategy, deep energy retrofits, building envelope design, and building automation, Yash has built a reputation for integrating research, education, and professional practice to drive impact in the sustainability field.
Yash’s research, published in reputable journals and presented at conferences, focuses on innovative solutions for sustainable construction materials, identifying talent skills gaps in sustainability, evaluating the airtightness of buildings, and assessing the effects of sustainable policies on equity-seeking groups. His contributions extend beyond academia to securing $431,000 in research funding from organizations like the NSERC Alliance Grant and Mitacs Accelerate. Collaborating with partners such as the National Research Council of Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, Yash has advanced critical projects at the intersection of building science and sustainability.
As a Building Scientist, Yash demonstrates expertise in energy modelling, retrofit analysis, decarbonization planning, and building condition assessments. His ability to connect technical knowledge with real-world applications ensures that his work is both practical and impactful.
Beyond his research and professional work, Yash is a dedicated educator, teaching both virtual and in-person courses to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders. Over the past three years, he has reached more than 2,600 students across Canada, including approximately 600 at Toronto Metropolitan University. His courses cover a wide range of topics, including sustainable energy systems, multidisciplinary sustainability, and building science, with a focus on net-zero construction.
“Sustainability’s challenges demand input from diverse voices. The solutions we create are only as strong as the people who shape them.”
With a vision of fostering a sustainable future, Yash continues to lead through research, teaching, and collaborative projects that drive meaningful, lasting change.
Advice on entering the energy efficiency sector
As a female and a Black female, there are always going to be obstacles. That doesn’t mean, however, that I didn’t face them head-on. I like a challenge. I welcome it, actually. It motivates me. So for any women out there who are BIPOC or women in general, we are dominating a very male-induced industry.
Where things are trending in workforce development is, upskilling the soft skills that you don’t have. We’ve recognized that it’s not just learning the technical stuff, you have to give them the management skills and the business skills and the stakeholder engagement skills.
The great thing is that with this sector, there is such a need for workers that they are offering courses to everyone. That’s really opening up for people. You don’t need to go back to school necessarily. Go do a degree or diploma. You can take like little courses at a time to upskill yourself and make yourself relevant.
