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Energy and Environment Directorate

Patricia Gunderson

Patricia Gunderson

(509) 371-6713

Biography

Patti Gunderson joined PNNL in 2021 and supports several projects in both the Energy Policy and Economics and Buildings and Connected Systems Divisions. A particular strength is collaborating with manufacturers, designers, builders, and trades people to understand and overcome barriers to adoption of optimized building technologies.

Patti most recently spent nearly six years at Home Innovation Research Labs where she proposed, designed, and led research projects to study constructability, functionality, energy efficiency and durability of buildings. Her background in building physics, engineering software tools, systems design, discipline coordination, project documentation, and construction administration provides valuable insight for research, analysis and client support.

Prior to HI, Patti worked in the DC office of SmithGroup, an international AE firm, on numerous high-profile projects including embassies, medical centers, university law schools and the flagship Net Zero Brock Environmental Center for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Patti is a big fan of collaboration and has benefitted from research partners and clients representing several national labs, the National Association of Home Builders, the Leading Builders of America, and numerous international manufacturers, as well as staff from DOE, FPL, HUD, and VA.

Research Interests

  • Whole Building Energy Modeling
  • Building instrumentation and monitoring
  • Product development, testing and optimization
  • Energy code and above code building certification programs
  • Building design for net zero energy, water and waste
  • Coordination and integration of design disciplines and construction trades
  • Behavioral and economic pressures on decision making for building energy efficiency
  • Thermal comfort and IAQ

Education and Credentials

  • B.S., Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming, 2009
  • B.A., Humanities and Fine Arts, University of Wyoming, 2004
  • AS(s) Math, Music, Physics, Engineering, GIS, Casper College

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • Professional Engineer (MECHHR) #PE907618
  • ASHRAE, American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, since 2007
  • ASHRAE, National Capital Chapter, since 2010. Committees include Student Activities, Directory, Programs, Technology Awards, Audit, Newsletter
  • Certified Passive House Consultant, CPHC
  • PHIUS, Passive House Institute US
  • LEED AP, BD+C
  • USGBC, U.S. Green Building Council, National Capital Chapter
  • TAU BETA PI Engineering Honor Society
  • Recipient of NASA Space Grant for undergraduate study

PNNL Publications

2022

  • Gunderson P.K., E. Louie, C.E. Metzger, S.I. Rosenberg, and K.A. Cort. 2022. "Results from Laboratory and Field Study of Thin Triple Pane Windows." In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings (Buildings XV), December 5-8, 2022, Clearwater Beach, FL, 667 - 675. Peachtree Corners, Georgia:American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). PNNL-SA-172226.
  • Nagda H., J. Zhang, T.J. Pilet, C.A. Antonopoulos, C.E. Metzger, P.K. Gunderson, and T.D. Ashley, et al. 2022. "Experimental Studies and Energy Modeling for Evaluating Performance of Various Deep Wall Retrofits." In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Thermal Performance of the Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings (Buildings XV), December 5-8, 2022, Clearwater Beach, FL, 528 - 536. Peachtree Corners, Georgia:American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). PNNL-SA-171684.

Energy and Environment

Core Research Areas

Contacts