Beyond the Building: A Digital Framework for Neighbourhood Retrofit in Scotland

About the Project

The Energy Efficient Scotland programme sets out a strategic roadmap to decarbonise homes, businesses, and public buildings, supporting the Scottish Government’s climate commitments. Existing buildings account for a large share of Scotland’s energy use and carbon emissions [1,2]. Improving their performance is critical for achieving net-zero targets.

While many retrofit strategies have been proposed, most interventions are planned and implemented at the individual building level, overlooking the wider potential of neighbourhood-scale solutions. Current approaches also lack accessible, user-friendly digital tools that can guide policymakers and local authorities in categorising building stock and identifying cost-effective, energy-efficient retrofit pathways.

This project addresses this gap by developing a practical digital decision-support tool that enables categorisation of existing Scottish buildings based on building type, function, heating/cooling demands, local climate conditions, and other relevant parameters. The research will propose efficient building services solutions for neighbourhood-level retrofitting, optimising energy performance while considering social, economic, and environmental factors.

This research aims to develop an innovative framework and digital tool for categorising and retrofitting existing buildings at the neighbourhood level, supporting the Scottish Government in achieving its Energy Efficient Scotland goals.

Academic qualifications

Have, or expect to achieve by the time of start of the studentship a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, ideally in Building Services Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Only a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level in a subject relevant to the PhD project will be considered, or equivalent achievements.
• Strong foundational knowledge of building energy systems, sustainable construction, and retrofit strategies.
• Familiarity with digital tools such as BIM, GIS, or energy simulation software.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills capable of handling technical, quantitative, and data-driven research.
• Ability to conduct independent research, including literature review, data analysis, and synthesis of results.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage with academic and industry stakeholders.
• Motivation and commitment to undertake interdisciplinary research addressing sustainability and policy challenges.

Desirable attributes:

• Practical experience in research or industry will be considered an advantage.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact m.jowkar@napier.ac.uk