Energy and Health Group

Our highly interdisciplinary work investigates the intersection of energy, its effects on environmental and climatic conditions, and human health and wellbeing. The types and quantities of fuels used, what they are used for, and where this use occurs, impacts our health. There is heavy health burden from exposure to pollution from vehicles and unclean domestic fuels, or mental stress through lack of access. Providing universal access to clean decarbonised energy is both critical to addressing climate change and health.

The process of decarbonising the global energy system provides multiple opportunities for co-benefits which improve health and wellbeing. For example, shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy for electricity generation will improve air quality and reduce deaths from air pollution. Providing opportunities and infrastructure for cycling and walking will reduce transport energy use and improve our health. Retrofitting our homes to be energy efficient has the potential to reduce fuel costs and provide comfortable, livable temperatures, reducing emissions and improving our mental well-being. 

Our research interests

Our research focuses on three areas and their interconnections: the built environment & energy, climate change, and health & wellbeing.

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Built environment & energy

This research area focuses on themes relating to the decarbonisation of the global building stock and energy demand management within the sector. The buildings and construction and use account for more than a third of global CO2 emissions – achieving the Paris Agreement climate goals will require central focus on decarbonisation of the global building stock.

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Health & wellbeing

Equitable and affordable access to energy is essential to health and wellbeing in the 21st century. This area focuses on the health impacts which arise in relation to energy & climate change. These are particularly prevalent in the built environment. They can manifest through physical problems such as respiratory issues caused by poorly ventilated homes, or through mental health issues relating to energy insecurity or exposure to extreme weather events.

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Climate change

Tackling climate change has been described as the 'greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century’. This research area focuses on both the co-benefits of climate change mitigation, as well as the health impacts that the changing climate has with respect to the built environment and other sectors. For example, rising global temperatures will mean buildings and infrastructure will have to cope with more severe and prolonged heat waves, which in turn will impact healthcare provision.

Research with impact

Members of the Energy and Health group produce high quality, impactful outputs through their involvement in global partnerships, projects, and research activities.

Our researchers

Ian Hamilton
Professor of Energy, Environment and Health
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Gesche Huebner
Lecturer in Sustainable and Healthy Built Environments
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Shih-Che Hsu
Research Fellow in Building Stock and Indoor Air Quality Modelling
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Harry Kennard
Research Fellow in Energy, Climate and Health
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Harshavardhan Jatkar
Research Fellow in Energy, Urban Planning and Informal Settlements
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Alex Summerfield
Honorary Senior Lecturer
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