Mr Joe Forde

MPhys MRes

  • Doctoral Researcher

Research groups and centres

Publications

Research and expertise

My current research focuses on local level delivery of net-zero carbon development. This work seeks to understand the barriers facing different local authorities, before developing a decision support methodology to aide local level actors in decreasing carbon emissions relative to these barriers.

I have experience with modelling, simulation and the application of computational optimisation to these areas. I also have experience with national and local level policy within the UK related to the construction of new-build housing, but pertinently towards the energy performance of these houses. Through my research, I have utilised a mixed-methods approach, and have demonstrated the ability to be flexible in my pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Through this, I have utilised both quantitative and qualitative methods to help answer questions central to my research interests.

Current research activity

  • A methodology towards net-zero carbon housing at a local level. 2018-2021.

Recently completed research projects 

  • Multi-objective optimisation of Passivhaus dwellings in a social housing context. 2017-2018.

Recent publications

Temporal optimization for affordable and resilient Passivhaus dwellings in the social housing sector. (2020). Forde J,., Hopfe, C,., McLeod, R., Evins, R. Applied Energy. 261 (March). 114383. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.114383


Forde, Joe, Christina J. Hopfe, Robert S. McLeod, and Ralph Evins. (2019). “Can Multi-objective Optimisation Achieve More Resilient Outcomes in the Uk's Social Housing Sector?”.

All publications

Teaching

I have provided teaching support across multiple modules. I worked on elements of a Sustainable Building Design Module. In this role I aided undergraduate students in their designs for low-carbon non-domestic dwellings for their assessed projects.

I have also aided delivery of a post-graduate course on Sustainable Design and Construction Theories. Within this role, I have delivered a lecture on Sustainability Frameworks and Standards for the past two years to postgraduate students. I have aided in the supervision of an undergraduate student and a post-graduate student. As well as providing support to those utilizing a methodology developed as part of my MRes research.

Profile

I am interested in understanding existing problems related to the built environment and sustainability in order to help practionners deliver sustainable solutions. My current research focuses on how local level solutions can be optimised to overcome or lessen barriers to zero-carbon development faced by local level actors delivering new-build housing.

During my undergraduate degree in Physics I completed my Master’s thesis focused on understanding quantum transport within biological processes. Following this I worked within industry as a Energy Consultant on new build housing. Through this work I gained initial exposure to modelling, simulation and the policy areas relevant to my research today.

Professional affiliations

  • CIBSE Student Member.

Awards

  • Nominated for Loughborough PhD Award 2020 for Contribution to Wider Community.

External activities

  • Qualified football coach and volunteer for three years at a local youth team.