PhD in Comparative analysis of life cycle assessment methodologies in the built environment

The aims of this PhD study are to:

undertake a rigorous assessment of existing accounting methodologies;
apply them to a suitable case study;
identify their relative strengths and weaknesses; and
establish and/or develop a suitable methodology for the built environment.

Description

Life cycle assessment is gaining importance in assessing the environmental impacts of buildings and other products. A number of different methodologies exist for accounting for energy-related environmental aspects such as carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrous oxides (NOx). These include 'process', 'input-output' and 'hybrid' analyses. The former involves measuring energy inputs for processes involved in the production of, say, building products; emissions are then estimated based on various parameters. Input-output analysis using financial flows between the economic sectors of an economy together with tariffs and emissions factors to estimate emissions intensities. Both process and input-output analysis can be combined in a variety of different ways which capitalise on their relative strengths. Several methodologies exist and which are claimed to have various advantages and disadvantages. However, some of these are unsupported by rigorous analysis. There is therefore a need for some rigorous comparative studies between the various approaches with well-defined boundary conditions.

The aims of this PhD study are to:

undertake a rigorous assessment of existing accounting methodologies;
apply them to a suitable case study;
identify their relative strengths and weaknesses; and
establish and/or develop a suitable methodology for the built environment.
The successful candidate will participate in the taught components of the GREP Engineering programme and attend the necessary general and energy-specific modules as agreed with their supervisor.

Nr. Job Positions : 1

Research Fields

Engineering

Career Stage

Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)

Benefits

€16,000 per annum and all research fees covered for a period of four years.

Comment/web site for additional job details

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, self-motivated person who has a background in engineering, science or other relevant discipline. They will have a strong background in mathematics and excellent analytical skills. You will be inquisitive, persistent, self-disciplined and have excellent written and oral presentation skills. The candidate will have a first class honours or 2.1 degree (or equivalent) from a recognised third-level institute; masters students are also eligible to apply.

To apply please complete a PGR1 Application Form available at: http://www.dit.ie/researchandenterprise/graduateresearchschool/fundedopportunitiesforgraduatestudents/engineering/