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.
![Energy and Health Group research area diagram](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/sites/bartlett_energy/files/styles/non_responsive/public/diagram.png?itok=cv3LZw9V)
Built environment & energy
![City at night](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/sites/bartlett_energy/files/styles/non_responsive/public/denys-nevozhai-aolc2enmtzo-unsplash1400x483px.jpg?itok=AEznpc20)
Health & wellbeing
![Aerial view of city park](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/sites/bartlett_energy/files/styles/non_responsive/public/luiza-giannelli-1rilmivtnhw-unsplash1400x483px.jpg?itok=WBsZN7R2)
Climate change
![Rural landscape with power station blowing thick smoke in the background](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/sites/bartlett_energy/files/styles/non_responsive/public/michal-pech-492676-unsplash1400x483px.jpg?itok=Aix7vPbu)
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
![Grey head silhouette](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/sites/bartlett_energy/files/styles/non_responsive/public/blank-profile-picture-973460_1280.png?itok=0tvP0R4I)
Professor of Energy, Environment and Health
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![Grey head silhouette](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/energy/sites/bartlett_energy/files/styles/non_responsive/public/blank-profile-picture-973460_1280.png?itok=0tvP0R4I)
Lecturer in Sustainable and Healthy Built Environments
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Research Fellow in Building Stock and Indoor Air Quality Modelling
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Research Fellow in Energy, Climate and Health
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Research Fellow in Energy, Urban Planning and Informal Settlements
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Honorary Senior Lecturer
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