Dr Xiaoxiong Xie is a Lecturer in Building Engineering at the University of Plymouth and PI of the Urban Microclimate-Aware Retrofitting framework for climate-resilient energy demand reduction (UMAR) project, which contributes to the EDRC’s Future and Place themes.
With an interdisciplinary background spanning the built environment and urban climatology, his research explores the dynamic interactions between buildings and their surrounding urban contexts. Using multi-scale modelling, he investigates how local climates influence building energy performance, thermal comfort, and occupant health. His work also examines how low-carbon technologies, such as air source heat pumps, affect outdoor microclimates and contribute to climate adaptation. Through this research, he advances strategies for designing resilient, energy-efficient, and healthy urban environments. He is the recipient of the 2024 CIBSE Building Simulation Award.