Digitally twinned rating systems for low energy housing in Scotland.

This PhD Project aims to develop innovative ‘digitally twinned’ rating systems for low energy housing in Scotland. Energy efficiency is becoming a pressing issue that must be addressed in current and future housing developments. This is mainly resulting from the global climate and environmental challenges facing the world. Various low-energy solutions, certificates, and building standards have been developed to solve this issue. Among the well-established and known certificates and rating systems for low-energy buildings, are the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), Passive House (PH), the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS), and the Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB). Passive House benefits have been well-established not only in energy consumption but also in relation to occupants’ evaluation (Pitts, 2017). Occupants’ usage is another vital determinant of energy performance for houses. The performance gap results from the difference between the actual building performance and the calculated one, which is mostly by users’ behaviours. However, the research also shows how the profits associated with low-energy buildings are underrated by the public. Therefore, linking Building Information Modelling (BIM) with low-energy design software (Cemesova, 2015), and using it to evaluate Net Zero energy buildings for existing buildings has been endorsed (Kaewunruen et al, 2019). It’s also noted that lowenergy buildings have been more attractive to businesses and large houses rather than social housing developments.

This project focuses on the suitability of the different low-energy building systems for Scotland’s new and retrofit housing developments and their possibilities to be associated with digital technologies such as BIM and/or digital twin. The outputs of the project contribute to guiding the development of the current building regulations. Case studies will be selected as part of the research journey.

The main objectives of the research are to include:

1. Reviewing and evaluating the different low energy systems, certificates, and standards for new development and retrofit projects.

2. Testing the possibility of using BIM and/or Digital twin with selected low-energy systems.

3. Developing a framework that could be used in new social housing and retrofit developments.

If you’re interested in energy efficiency, housing development, retrofit projects, BIM, digital twins and building regulations the supervisory team is looking forward to reading your application.

Keywords: Low energy buildings, Passive House (Passivhaus), BIM, digital twin, Energy Efficiency, AECB, BREEAM, LEEDS, building regulations, Building rating systems.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Architecture, Built Environment, Urban Development

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Inji Kenawy (I.Kenawy@napier.ac.uk) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

Contact details

Should you need more information, please email SCEBERDL@napier.ac.uk.

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and 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.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here. To be considered, the application must use:

• the advertised title as project title

Download a copy of the project details here