I am a sustainability engineer and industrial ecologist working at the intersection of engineering, architectural science, and urban sustainability. My work explores the connections between building design, construction practices, and broader urban systems, with the goal of informing more sustainable housing and urban development decisions. I have conducted research in the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and Switzerland, and will begin a new position in the United Kingdom in 2026. These international experiences have shaped my systems-oriented perspective on cities and sustainability, and inspire me to translate research into practical insights for designers, policymakers, and communities.
Aldrick's main research/work interest areas:
- Building–urban scale interactions
- Low-carbon and circular construction
- Data-driven built environment analysis
Aldrick's favorite cities and why:
- Bern, Switzerland - I love the very well-preserved medieval cityscape, where everyday life is woven into the historic streets.
- Toronto, Canada - The neighborhoods make Toronto special for me. Each area feels different, shaped by the people and cultures that live there.
- Melbourne, Australia - The culture, arts, and food scene really stand out. I find it social, vibrant, and fun to explore.
How did you get interested in cities research? What drew you to sustainability topics?
I first became interested in cities by studying how electricity is provided and the challenges involved. Working with experts from different research and professional backgrounds exposed me to the many types of services people rely on in cities. This sparked my interest in exploring how these services can be delivered in ways that are both environmentally friendly and fair for everyone. Since then, I’ve focused on studying how buildings, neighborhoods, and urban systems can work together to create more sustainable and equitable cities.
Recent publications
In our recent paper, we explored how housing type and neighborhood location together influence greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto. Detached houses are nearly three times more carbon-intensive to construct per person and produce two to five times more daily operational emissions than other housing types, but location matters too - some apartments in car-dependent suburbs are even more carbon-intensive than downtown detached homes. The takeaway? Walkable neighborhoods and thoughtful housing design can make cities far less carbon-intensive. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2025.106131
