The accolade was awarded to IEDE PhD researcher, Meysam Paydar, for his presentation based on the paper: ‘Evaluating the potential of using energy certification models to assess decarbonisation pathways for primary healthcare buildings’ – a collaborative research effort led by Dr Esfand Burman at UCL’s Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, in partnership with NHSPS and funded by UCLPartners.
The project explored the potential of repurposing existing Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) models – originally developed using DesignBuilder software –to forecast and assess the impact of transitioning NHS primary care buildings to low-carbon technologies. NHSPS identified the opportunity, provided access to a comprehensive dataset of EPC models, and worked closely with the research team to guide the analysis and interpret the findings.
The research demonstrated that EPC models, when enhanced, can be used to simulate complex decarbonisation scenarios – such as replacing gas boilers with heat pumps and integrating solar PV systems. These insights are now being used to inform practical work packages that could be implemented across NHS primary care sites nationwide.
The team developed a bespoke conversion tool to automate the transformation of EPC models into more advanced simulation models. NHSPS says this ‘breakthrough’ has opened new avenues for cost-effective, data-driven planning in the NHS estate. NHSPS’s involvement was instrumental throughout the project – from initiating the research concept and supplying critical data, to co-authoring the academic paper and supporting its submission to the CIBSE Symposium.
Nick MacDonald-Smith, Net Zero Carbon lead at NHSPS, said: “This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling the NHS’s Net Zero Carbon goals. By unlocking the value of existing data, we’ve taken a significant step toward understanding how our estate can transition to sustainable, low-carbon operations.”
Dr Esfand Burman, EngD, CEng, MCIBSE, MASHRAE, Associate Professor (pictured with Meysam Paydar) said: “We are delighted that our paper has won this prestigious award. Huge congratulations to Meysam and all co-authors. This was a collaborative and highly successful project, and our research will hopefully help the transition to net-zero carbon in the healthcare sector.”