Sustainability Technical Lead profile – Nuria Fernandez Lopez
14 November 2023
Role: Net Zero Carbon/ Decarbonisation Lead
Office: Oxford
At QODA, we have a dedicated team of sustainability experts who work with design teams and industry leaders to provide design detail, guidance, and professional expertise. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing each of our leads.
This week it’s Nuria Fernandez Lopez. Read on to learn more about how Nuria became a sustainability engineer, what her role at QODA involves, and a project that has inspired her.
What is your background?
I studied a Technical Architecture Degree at University and have been working in the Construction and Architecture industry since then. Seven years ago, I moved to the UK and quickly realised I wanted to use my profession and expertise to help people and the planet as well as and battle the Climate Crisis. I then began my career as a Sustainability Consultant. The Passivhaus Standard led the way on this career transformation, and although my experience in architecture and construction helped me to understand this new field, it still felt like a completely different profession.
More recently I have delved into design and innovation approaches. I believe these new approaches have huge potential to effectively respond to people’s needs as well as the world’s needs in this current climate. As a result of this, I studied the Kingston University master’s degree in Sustainable Design and Social Innovation.
What do you do at QODA?
I work on a variety of Net Zero and Decarbonisation projects from energy and carbon studies to defining sustainable strategies to Passivhaus new build projects as well as low energy retrofits.
“My role at QODA is to provide the clients with sustainable solutions to achieve their ambitions”.
This sometimes consists of looking at the big picture and setting the most appropriate targets for the type of project. I often need to go into detail and analyse each element of the fabric performance of buildings, including airtightness and thermal bridging.
Leading our Nez Zero Carbon and Decarbonisation services involves analysing our processes and outcomes and developing a strategy to improve and extend our offer to the clients in this area.
What is one project that has inspired you, and why?
I am impressed with the work QODA is doing for Oxford University as part of the OUES Decarbonisation Framework, analysing the decarbonisation possibilities for newer University buildings and other stunning historic buildings.
This work sets the basis for future practical projects and analyses both the fabric and services improvements to reduce the demand and emissions as much as possible and achieve client ambitious targets.
Tell us something about your life outside QODA
I have always enjoyed dancing, especially contemporary dance, but I have tried lots of different styles. Travelling is also one of my favourite life pleasures, so I take my campervan and go on new adventures as often as I can.