Shan Arora is a recognized leader in the global movement for regenerative buildings—places designed not merely to reduce harm, but to restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and give back more than they take. As Director of The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech, the Southeast’s first Living Building, Shan stewards the region’s most ambitious regenerative project to date. He activates the classroom building as a living laboratory and public platform, demonstrating what is possible when ecological performance, occupant health, and social equity are pursued together.

 Through keynotes, workshops, advisory engagements, and immersive tours, Shan has introduced tens of thousands of students, professionals, owners, policymakers, and faith leaders to Living Future’s principles. He has supported multiple projects in pursuing Living Future programs, helping teams see regenerative design not as an aspiration for the few, but as a responsibility shared by all.

 Drawing on a career spanning sustainability, community engagement, business development, and tax policy, Shan connects Living Future’s ideals to practical implementation. He is currently leveraging The Kendeda Building’s systems to prototype regenerative toilets that safely convert waste into clean water and safely manageable, compact solids. For Shan, this work is about resource preservation and equity: half the world needs a toilet; the other half needs a better one. Reimagining the toilet as a decentralized, resource-generating system advances net-positive water, public health, and environmental justice.

 Shan holds BA and JD degrees from Emory University and is a Living Future Accredited Professional.