The Innovation and Sustainability in the Built Environment Research Group (ISBEN) is an interdisciplinary research group at the School of the Built Environment (SBEN).
ISBEN undertakes applied research on building and infrastructure project delivery as a socio-technical, environmental, financial, and management process.
Our vision is to advance the built environment by fostering just, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient systems that enable a successful transition to net zero cities, communities, and society.
We address urgent societal challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, decarbonisation, digital innovation, and the circular economy through an interdisciplinary approach, centred on sustainable project delivery, encompassing building design, construction, performance, and asset management. By combining expertise in construction management, building technology, retrofit strategies, and data analytics, we aim to maximise social value and minimise environmental impact throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Working collaboratively with industry partners, policymakers, and local communities, we prioritise co-production and place-based innovations to develop practical, context-sensitive solutions that support equitable and climate-responsive outcomes. Our research is committed to knowledge exchange that drives the transformation towards a net zero and socially just future. We are also dedicated to enhancing the international profile of SBEN and providing early career researchers and doctoral students with supportive opportunities for career development within a nurturing and dynamic working environment.
Key research areas
- Retrofit and decarbonisation systems and technologies
- Climate resilience and place-based innovation
- Circular design, construction, engineering, and supply chain processes
- Digital construction, Artificial Intelligence and data analytics in project delivery
- Construction occupational health, safety and wellbeing
- Social value and stakeholder engagement
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and sustainable Real Estate
- Construction education, supply chain, and vocational skills in the built environment
- Diversity, equity and social inclusion in the built environment
PhD students
As a dynamic research unit, we are enthusiastic about welcoming new MPhil and PhD students. If you are interested in pursuing an MPhil or PhD in any of our subject areas or specialisms, please get in touch with Dr Maria Christina Georgiadou or Dr Hamid Jahromi for an initial discussion.
Co-Directors
Deputy Director
Members
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