People

Julio is the academic lead of TWGI – Building Fabric, Performance, Archetypes, and Green Materials. He is a Lecturer and Chancellor’s Fellow in Net-Zero Buildings at the University of Edinburgh, part of the School of Engineering (SoE). His research focuses on low-carbon performance and the evaluation of new and existing buildings, and he has experience in the deployment of indoor air quality sensors, and the use of digital tools to create digital twins and living labs of buildings.

Azlizawati (Liza) earned her PhD in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh, focusing on energy retrofits in Scotland’s existing buildings by integrating technical performance with social and regulatory aspects. Liza specialises in sustainable building strategies and passionate about advancing micro-scale fabric performance studies and their integration into broader energy retrofitting for net-zero buildings.

Dr. Ashwini Konanahalli is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Construction Management at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. Before joining UWS, she was a Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, where she also earned her MSc and PhD in Construction Project Management.

Dr Sam Ahmadzadeh is a Postdoctoral Researcher at CeNZ-HighDB, contributing to research and development of sustainable solutions for urban environments. His work includes retrofitting strategies, optimising heat networks, and advancing Net-Zero building design while addressing occupant needs and promoting sustainable construction.

Dr Graeme Hunt is an energy researcher currently working on the Centre for Net-Zero High Density Buildings project at the University of Glasgow. Graeme is interested in investigating ways to alleviate energy poverty and the balance of energy supply and demand within the city and how retrofit and community level smart grids might play a role.

Isa is a researcher specialising in geo-energy, with experience in heat transfer, materials and structures, and fracture mechanics. His work spans repurposing oil and gas wells, carbon capture and storage, nuclear waste disposal, and geothermal energy, including open- and closed-loop systems for energy storage and extraction.

Dr Nick Kelly is a Reader in Energy Systems, based in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, with 30+ years’ research experience in energy and buildings. He is an internationally-recognised expert in modelling and simulation of buildings, applying this to diverse projects, including assessing demand flexibility from buildings and communities, the electrification of heat and mobility, simulation-based control of heating and cooling devices, mould growth prediction for housing, and analysis of photovoltaic-integrated facades.

Dr Lori McElroy MBE is Professor of Smart, Resilient Cities in the Department of Architecture at the University of Strathclyde. Active for over 30 years in practice and research, Lori is an internationally recognised expert in the application of building performance simulation in architecture and sustainable design.

Professor Hairstans is Skills and EDI lead for the Centre for Net Zero Carbon High Density Buildings. 2024 Structural Timber Pioneer and 2024 Offsite Pioneer of the year award winner he is a creative thinker and accomplished collaborator. He works extensively with industry and external stakeholders to accelerate change in delivery towards MMC and net zero carbon.

Dr Anitha Karthik is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Net Zero High-Density Buildings, focusing on sustainable urban infrastructure and climate resilience. She holds a PhD in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development, specialising in disaster adaptation and sustainability strategies.

Rob creates platforms for development and learning which empower communities to create positive and sustainable change. He studied architecture before co-founding and leading Agile City, a community interest company that creates space for work, events and learning for social and green enterprise.