Rixt van der Valk
University College London
London, United Kingdom
Member ID 4692
Member since Feb 24, 2025
Status Active
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About

I am a PhD Candidate specialising in sustainable construction practices with a focus on the embodied carbon challenges within the built environment. By integrating qualitative policy analysis with targeted life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies, I strive to bridge the gap between regulatory frameworks and practical, on-the-ground carbon mitigation strategies.

Details

I am currently pursuing a PhD at University College London, where my research focuses on evaluating the embodied carbon challenges in the UK construction sector through an integrated approach that combines policy analysis with targeted LCA case studies. I hold an MSc in Environmental Science from Lund University, which laid the foundation for my commitment to sustainable design and environmental stewardship. In addition, I have practical experience from my role in the Netherlands as an energy and environmental coordinator at a hospital group, where I honed my skills in implementing energy-efficient and sustainable practices in real-world settings. My work aims to inform both policy development and practical decision-making, contributing clear, replicable insights to advance low-carbon strategies in the built environment.

Research Interests

Embodied carbon and sustainable construction
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies
Policy narratives and stakeholder perspectives in the built environment
Comparative analysis of regulatory approaches across international contexts (e.g., UK, Netherlands, Denmark, France, and California)
Practical implications of methodological choices in carbon estimation