Area of Expertise

Based in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Energy Systems Research Unit (ESRU), I am a Reader in Energy Systems with over 30 years research, teaching and KE experience in energy and the built environment. My areas of research are focused on the decarbonisation of our buildings and communities, with over 100 related peer-reviewed publications. My areas of expertise include  building modelling and simulation, simulation tool development, energy efficiency, building integrated renewable technologies, heat pumps, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal energy conversion, probabalistic modelling of climate, building occupancy and energy use, thermal energy storage, flexible demand, monitoring of building performance and model predictive control.

I am happy to supervise MPhil and PhD students in any area linked to energy in buildings and communities.

I have an extensive funded research track record spaning some 30 years. My Current research projects include leading the modelling and data Thematic Working Group (TWG4) in the £10M Centre for Net Zero in High Density Buildings (CENZ-HighDB) funded by UKRI, the £3M DESNZ-funded GreenShed project, focused on the decarbonisation of beef farming, and validating the UK's new Home Energy Model (HEM) £3M, again funded by DESNZ.  

I have a long track record of collaborating with industry, leading or contributing to 8 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) with companies including SSE, SPEN, K J Tait, Sgurr Energy (now Wood Group) and Anderson Bell Christie. I regularly lead and contribute to expert consultancy - modelling the energy performance of all types of buildings and systems and the assessment of indoor/outdoor air quality. Recent projects include investigating performance inprovement and cost reduction strategies for heat pumps with Scottish Power and assessing the potential for cross-contamination in communal hospital treatment areas.

I deliver classes to a wide range of students, developing and delivering classes in Energy Resources and Policy, Electrical Power Systems and Engineering Artificial Environments.

I am MAE Deputy Head of Department (Research), co-direct ESRU and co-ordinate the Strathclyde Energy Theme. I represent Strathclyde at board level on the International Building Performance Association (IBPSA) and East Ayrshire Council £20M CORE project. I am the current chair of IBPSA-Scotland and sit on the Power Networks Demonstration Centre (PNDC) Strategic Advisory Board. 

I was awarded the title of IBPSA Fellow in 2025 by my peers for my contributions to the field of Building Performance Simulation.

Prize And Awards

IBPSA Fellow

Recipient

7/2025

ICE Baker Medal

Recipient

2011

Best Paper Award - World Renewable Energy Congress X

Recipient

7/2008

RCUK Academic Fellowship

Recipient

12/2003

More prizes and awards