SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Research
Dr Arman Hashemi, Associate Professor in UEL’s School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, is a leading researcher in building performance evaluation with a focus on energy, thermal comfort and indoor air quality. In 2023, Dr Hashemi co-authored a paper on the impact of occupant behaviour on energy performance, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and health in social housing. The research responded to the health risks posed to London council housing residents, as council homes are often located in areas with increased air pollution, higher-density housing, and smaller living spaces. As action plans and retrofitting strategies are currently being reviewed to improve the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of council homes, Dr Hashemi’s research notes that increased focus on airtightness can lead to worsened indoor air quality. The review aims to explore strategies to optimize the balance between energy efficiency, indoor thermal comfort, and indoor air quality and makes recommendations for different mitigation strategies to promote healthier and more energy-efficient buildings.
Hear from students and staff about the experience of studying MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering at UEL.
Teaching
The MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering course at UEL offers students a comprehensive education in renewable energy technologies, preparing them to be leaders in sustainable engineering. This program immerses students in various clean energy systems, from photovoltaic and wind to hydrogen fuel cells and tidal power. Through hands-on projects and theoretical study, students learn to design and implement energy-efficient solutions for buildings and communities.
The course goes beyond technical skills, fostering a deep understanding of ethical, environmental, and societal considerations. By developing multi-criteria optimal solutions for real-world challenges, students gain critical analytical and problem-solving abilities. Graduates leave equipped with advanced knowledge in energy engineering and research skills, ready to contribute effectively to the global movement for sustainable, clean energy.
Operations
UEL is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. In partnership with Siemens, UEL has developed a comprehensive net-zero strategy, achieving a 10% reduction in emissions from its 2020/21 baseline to 2022/23, putting it firmly on track to meet its 2030 target. Key initiatives include upgrading campus infrastructure for greater energy efficiency. UEL installed 11,000 LED lights and replaced outdated building management systems, reducing emissions by 470 tCO₂e and realising significant cost savings. Siemens is also driving efforts to integrate renewable and on-site low-carbon energy solutions across UEL’s Docklands and Stratford campuses, including the installation of solar panels. As of July 2024, 2,000 panels have been installed and are actively supplying power across the university campuses. This successful collaboration earned UEL and Siemens the Net Zero Leader award at The Decentralised Energy Awards 2023, showcasing UEL’s leadership in energy innovation. Detailed information on UEL’s net zero targets and the phased plan is available.
Outreach
UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) works directly with businesses to provide valuable support for decarbonisation and green transit. By forming close partnerships, the SRI aims to empower and enable businesses to continue their sustainability journey, now and in the future.
Through impactful projects like Eastern New Energy (ENE) and South East New Energy (SENE), the SRI has supported hundreds of SMEs in developing low-carbon products, switching to renewable energy sources, and implementing decarbonisation strategies.
UEL’s targeted support, particularly through its Net-Zero Knowledge Exchange Programme, provided expertise in low-carbon product development and testing, empowering 100 SMEs across both regions to reduce their emissions and energy costs.
Research conducted through these projects identified critical barriers SMEs face in decarbonisation, offering solutions to overcome them. Independent evaluations of ENE and SENE have demonstrated high returns on investment, validating the projects' efficacy in driving affordable energy solutions and enabling SMEs to make sustainable choices.
Read more about the ENE and SENE projects.