Brett Singer
Dr. Brett C. Singer is a Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator (PI) in the Energy Technologies Area of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Singer is Head of the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Systems Department and Senior Advisor to the Indoor Environment Group. He also works within the Whole Building Systems Department in the Building Technologies and Urban Systems Division.
Dr. Singer has conceived, conducted and led research projects related to air pollutant emissions, physical-chemical processes, controls, and pollutant exposures in myriad indoor and also outdoor environments. His research aims to understand the real world processes and systems that affect air pollutant transport, fate and exposures. His guiding professional motivation is to provide objective, scientific information to advance policy, products and practices for societal benefits.
A major focus of Dr. Singer’s work over the past 15 years has been the study of environmental quality and risk reduction in high performance new homes and in existing home retrofits and upgrades. The goal of this research is to accelerate the adoption of affordable and durable IAQ, comfort, and energy efficiency technologies and practices. This is achieved through publication of technical papers in peer-reviewed science journals; presentations to scientific and general public audiences; interactions with builders, contractors, and other companies and organizations working in the building space. The IE and RBS research groups conduct in-home studies, controlled laboratory experiments, simulation-based studies and data analysis to identify the most effective and energy efficient air quality control strategies.
Dr. Singer’s early career research examined on-road motor vehicle emissions and the effectiveness of California’s Smog Check program. His first project at LBNL examined the sorption of secondhand smoke compounds, an effect that contaminates materials and leads to extended odors and pollutant exposures. This work helped launch interest in the study of “thirdhand” smoke.
Dr. Singer has authored or co-authored over 80 papers in archival, peer-reviewed journals and dozens of additional technical reports and peer-reviewed conference papers.
Career Highlights:
Since 2019: Head of Sustainable Energy & Environmental Systems Department
Since 2023: Editorial Board of Indoor Environments
2022-2024: Treasurer / Executive Committee of Indoor Air 2024 Conference
2018 & 2019: Berkeley Lab Director Award for Exceptional Achievement in Societal Impact
2016: Named to Academy of Fellows of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate
2008-2022: Editorial Board of Indoor Air
1998: Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley
1991: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University (Summa cum Laude)
Awards
Spot: Brett Singer - January 31st 2022
Under circumstances involving short timeline, critical stakeholders, and need for clear and delicate communication, Brett worked round the clock for several weeks to deliver a product highly praised by DOE.
Societal Impact Award - October 4th 2019
2019 Societal Impact
Citation: In recognition of the Residential Ventilation Team’s scientific research and development of technologies, practices, and standards for residential ventilation that have made millions of homes healthier and more comfortable.
Spot: Brett Singer - May 17th 2019
Brett's effort benefited the public in a way that really matters. His impact is a testimony to the Lab's mission of bringing science solutions to the world and allowed all of us to breathe easier.
2018 Director’s Awards for Exceptional Achievement: Societal Impact - August 8th 2018
This multidisciplinary and cross-divisional team is honored for decade-long research accomplishments culminating in their discovery that thirdhand smoke, a new tobacco hazard, increases lung cancer risk in mice. This achievement is vital for protecting and improving public health nationwide.
Green Leadership Award - May 1st 2018
The Lab's Energy Technologies Area (ETA) was highlighted for innovative breakthroughs in the energy efficiency category for research aimed at helping California meet its zero net energy (ZNE) building goals, while ensuring adequate indoor air quality and ventilation.