Thematic Working Group I
Building Fabric and Performance
Thematic Working Group I
Led by The University of Edinburgh
TWG I key research areas
Building archetypes retrofits, building fabric performance and green building materials, as part of broader strategies to achieve net-zero building potential.
TWG I aims to expand the research and development in building archetype retrofit approach through in-depth and broader studies on building fabric performance using measured data and real case studies. Our approach to retrofitting based on construction archetypes will define standardised measures while considering building variations and associated risks. This strategy addresses the challenges of retrofitting existing buildings and aims to accelerate energy efficiency improvements to achieve the national net-zero carbon emissions target by 2045. Our fabric performance research utilises in-situ monitoring to provide real evidence, helping homeowners generate reasonably accurate estimates of energy performance and savings. The findings from this archetype approach will serve as references for academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and the public.
Integrated with the building fabric performance and archetype approach, we work to advance the research and innovations of green materials to offer improved and new low embodied carbon solutions. Our work involves collaborative research with industry partners; conducting feasibility studies, testing, and development, aligning with circular economy principles. This effort is supported by partnership with Built Environment Smarter Transformation, leveraging their outreach and technological expertise.
Dr Julio Bros-Williamson
Academic Lead
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.
Dr Azlizawati Ibrahim
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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.
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