Research Opportunities in Sustainable Design and Climate Solutions

My lab, the Built Environment Decarbonization (BEDA) Lab is at the forefront of advancing sustainable design and construction practices to create buildings that are energy-efficient, healthier for people, and kinder to the planet. Our research spans three exciting themes designed to tackle critical challenges in sustainability and health:

BUILT4CLIMATE: We’re creating cutting-edge databases and modeling methods to measure, map, and benchmark the embodied carbon of the built environment. Our goal? Achieving carbon neutrality by developing innovative mitigation strategies that make a tangible impact.

BUILT2LAST: This theme focuses on designing sustainable new buildings and renovating aging ones to reduce energy burdens and carbon emissions. With a special emphasis on low-income households, we’re driving cost-effective solutions that balance sustainability and affordability.

BUILT4HEALTH: Addressing the health risks intensified by climate change, we aim to monitor and mitigate these risks through low-carbon solutions, prioritizing vulnerable populations to ensure healthier, more equitable outcomes.

Join us in transforming the future of the built environment—where science, innovation, and sustainability meet to shape a better world. This semester we are looking for someone interested in web design and development. 

If you’re interested in pursuing research opportunities, please complete the necessary steps in this system. However, it’s important to schedule a meeting with me first by sending an email to mhu1@nd.edu so we can find a convenient time to talk. I cannot make admission decisions based solely on your CV, as I prefer to meet with students to discuss their interests, expectations, and background. This approach helps ensure you’re matched with a project you’ll enjoy and that aligns with your learning goals.

Name of research group, project, or lab
Built Environment Decarbonization (BEDA) Lab
Why join this research group or lab?

Join us in transforming the future of the built environment—where science, innovation, and sustainability meet to shape a better world. 

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Architecture
Civil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Student qualifications

Please contact the meI to discuss your background, experience and specific research topic before applying for this position.

You need to have website development skill. 

Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Summer - Part Time
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
3
Techniques learned

data collection, analysis, life cycle assessment 

Project start
January 2025
This project will use an Expectations and Structure agreement.
Expectations and Structure

The Built Environment Decarbonization (BEDA) lab is at the forefront of multidisciplinary research, pioneering decarbonizing the built environment. The overall research areas comprise three themes: BUILT4CLIAMTE, BUILT2LAST and BUILT4HEALTH. 

BUILT4CLIAMTE: Dedicated to developing a comprehensive database and modeling methods to measure, map, and benchmark the embodied carbon of the built environment, aiming for carbon neutrality through mitigation strategies.

BUILT2LAST: Focused on constructing new sustainable buildings and renovating aging building stock to reduce energy burdens and carbon emissions, emphasizing sustainable, cost-effective design for low-income households. 

BUILT4HEALTH: Monitor and mitigate health risks exacerbated by climate change through low-carbon solutions, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Contact Information:
Mentor
mhu1@nd.edu
Associate Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Ming Hu
Email address of project director or principal investigator
mhu1@nd.edu
3 sp. | 0 appl.
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours (+3)
1 credit / 3-6 hours2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hoursSummer - Part Time
Project categories
Civil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences (+1)
ArchitectureCivil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences