David Glew

Professor David Glew is a leading academic at Leeds Beckett University, where he serves as Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute and Head of Energy Efficiency and Policy within the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing. He leads interdisciplinary research projects focused on sustainable buildings, urban environments, and occupant behavior, with a strong emphasis on improving domestic energy efficiency through retrofit and policy evaluation.

• Director, Leeds Sustainability Institute
• Head of Energy Efficiency and Policy
• School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing
• PhD, University of York (2013)

David Glew's research centers on Building Performance Evaluation (BPE), with expertise in field testing methods such as coheating tests, air tightness assessments, smart meter data analysis, and indoor air quality monitoring. His work investigates performance gaps in low-carbon buildings and retrofits, particularly in solid-walled homes. He leads major government-funded projects like DEEP, TIWI, and DRIP, which have informed national policy on energy efficiency and retrofit safety. His research also explores behavior change techniques to improve energy literacy and occupant comfort.

His recent publications emphasize the need for improved public understanding of energy use, highlighting misconceptions about thermostats, tariffs, and heating systems. He advocates for a holistic 'whole house' approach to retrofitting and has contributed to reforms in energy modeling, including the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). His work bridges technical evaluation and social science, aiming to make homes healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient.

David Glew is actively engaged in public discourse, appearing on TV, radio, and podcasts to discuss energy policy and sustainability. He serves as Associate Editor for the journal Buildings and Cities and is a member of the OFGEM Technical Advisory Panel. His research has influenced government strategies and industry practices, particularly in social housing and product performance assessment.

• Associate Editor, Journal of Buildings and Cities
• Member, OFGEM Technical Advisory Panel
• Seconded to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)

He supervises doctoral students and collaborates with universities, local governments, housing providers, and manufacturers. His projects help landlords implement effective retrofits and support manufacturers in evaluating product performance. With over £5 million in research funding, his work is instrumental in advancing the UK’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions in the built environment.

His research team operates advanced test cells and conducts hygrothermal simulations, damp and mould risk assessments, and life cycle analyses. They also investigate innovative heating technologies such as infrared systems and evaluate the long-term deterioration of insulation materials. Their findings are widely published and accessible via the DESNZ website, ensuring high policy impact and public transparency.