Towards Adaptive Thermal Comfort Design for a Changing Climate: Developing Evidence for Future Building Regulations and Design Practice

Summary

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, including periods of overheating, while the transition to Net Zero is driving the electrification of heating systems. Future buildings must therefore use less energy while continuing to provide healthy, comfortable and resilient indoor environments.

Current building design and regulatory approaches rely heavily on thermal comfort models developed in the 1960s. However, growing evidence suggests that thermal comfort requirements vary significantly between individuals and population groups, including differences associated with age, sex, menopause, clothing practices and adaptive behaviours. As climate conditions change, there is a need to reassess whether existing design methods remain fit for purpose.

This PhD will investigate how thermal comfort can be optimised during the building design process to improve occupant health and wellbeing while reducing energy demand. Using a Living Lab approach, the research will collect real-world environmental and occupant data from a range of buildings and compare measured comfort responses with established thermal comfort models. Building performance simulation and future climate scenarios will be used to explore how comfort requirements may evolve over coming decades.

The project aligns with the Northern Ireland Executive's ambitions for a sustainable and globally competitive economy by supporting climate adaptation, low-carbon development and evidence-based policy. The findings will contribute to the development of future design guidance, building regulations and Net Zero strategies, helping designers create buildings that place people, health and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.