PhD Studentship: Risky Sustainability? Understanding Uncertainty in the Impacts of Circular Economy Strategies for Buildings University of Bath in United Kingdom

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath is offering a fully-funded PhD studentship focused on the risks and uncertainties associated with Circular Economy (CE) strategies for buildings. This project seeks to address the environmental impacts of foundation industries such as steel and cement, which contribute significantly to the UK's carbon emissions. By exploring CE approaches—like recycling demolition materials, reusing structural steel, and extending building lifespans—the research aims to evaluate how these strategies can help achieve zero waste, zero new material extraction, and zero carbon emissions while meeting national building needs.

As part of the BuildZero project, you will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research community spanning several leading UK universities, including Sheffield, Cardiff, Manchester, Cambridge, and Bath. The project will involve assessing the effectiveness and risks of various CE strategies, considering uncertainties in material stocks, process characteristics, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data. You will identify key information gaps and analyze the likely range of environmental impacts, building on previous work in decarbonisation and sustainability assessment within Bath's active research groups.

Applicants should possess, or expect to obtain, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as engineering, architecture, or environmental science. A master’s degree is advantageous. International candidates must meet the University of Bath's English language requirements. The university values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups; applicants with mitigating circumstances affecting their academic record may include a brief explanation in their personal statement.

The studentship provides full tuition coverage (Home or Overseas rate), a generous stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a £1000 annual training support budget for up to three years. Early application is recommended, as the position will close once a suitable candidate is found. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Richard Lupton at [email protected]. Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online portal for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, ensuring you select 'University of Bath LURS' in the funding section and include the supervisor’s name and project title.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in sustainability, circular economy, environmental engineering, and the future of the built environment. You will gain access to cutting-edge research, collaborative networks, and professional development resources, contributing to impactful solutions for climate and resource challenges in the construction sector.