Understanding the economy-wide implications of different policy actions to address barriers and improving the outcomes of adopting energy efficiency improvement measures

Project Description

An exciting, 3-year full-time funded PhD studentship opportunity has arisen at the Centre for Energy Policy, at the University of Strathclyde for a project expanding CEP’s portfolio of research on energy efficiency in residential properties. This project aims to analyse the effectiveness of current policy actions promoting residential energy efficiency improvement and identify the economy-wide implications of different actions to address barriers to the adoption of efficiency improvement measures.

Residential energy efficiency has been an integral component of net zero strategies in the UK and internationally, but analyses from the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) highlight that the improvement of energy efficiency in residential properties is below the levels required to achieve the country’s net zero objectives. As part of the project, we will evaluate the effectiveness of existing energy efficiency improvement policies, identifying to what extent the available resources have been utilised and their impact on the efficiency of residential properties. We will explore what barriers have, or may have, been in place, preventing better outcomes, while considering how these barriers could be removed. In analysing the latter, we will identify the costs and challenges involved and explore how they interact with the retrofitting process. This will allow us to develop a better understanding of the relationship between the costs of different approaches to address the aforementioned barriers and the benefits that may be unlocked at different timeframes.

This PhD project will give the successful candidate the opportunity to train in and further develop their skills on reviewing the existing body of evidence, engaging with appropriate stakeholders and conduct simulations using computable general equilibrium (CGE) economy-wide modelling. 

Further information

Why undertake a PhD at the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for Energy Policy? 

Our Ethos is Working to ensure transitions to mid-century net zero targets deliver sustainable & equitable prosperity.

The Centre brings together a unique blend of economy-wide modelling, political economy and public policy analysis experience and expertise to understanding the wider economic and societal outcomes of a range of decarbonisation actions at local, regional, national, and international levels and how economically and politically feasible pathways to net zero can be identified and shaped.

As a CEP PhD researcher, you will be able to draw on this expertise as part of your PhD research and develop and apply your learning through the live research projects that CEP leads, with focus on real and measurable impact with key policy decision makers within the UK and internationally. Read more here.

Eligibility & Criteria

–         You will need a good honours degree (1^st or 2:1) and

–         A Masters degree (Distinction or Merit)

–         Experience and understanding of economy-wide modelling approaches would be highly desirable

A strong preference would be candidates from a social science discipline, with an economics, political economy background. Other academic backgrounds may be considered if they have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in energy, climate and public policy issues.

How to Apply

You will need to complete an online application for PhD Policy Analysis (click the apply button, then start date 1 October 2024) and upload the following documents to your application and submit before the deadline of 14 June 2024 at 17:00hrs BST:

·        CV reflecting your education and track record relevant to this opportunity.

·        A one-page Cover Letter outlining your suitability and how your research interests align with the Centre for Energy Policy.

·        A Research Proposal (click the link to see what a strong research proposal requires) of no more than 1,500 words that outline your initial thoughts on how you would approach this project. 

·        All degree certificates and transcripts to date.

·        2 x Reference letters or full referee details of which at least one, must be academic.

·        IELTS Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual test score below 5.5 taken with 2 years prior to start date – if English is not your first language.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants selected for interview will be notified shortly after the closing date and interviews will be held week beginning 17 June 2024.

The successful applicant must be available to commence PGR study on 1 October 2024.

CEP Lead Supervisor: Dr Antonios Katris, Research Fellow

CEP Supervisor/Mentor/Advisor: Prof Karen Turner, Director

Collaborative Supervisor may be appointed from the Scottish Oral History Centre.