Greenwich engineering student shortlisted for energy award

A Greenwich student studying for a PhD in Engineering at Medway Campus has been shortlisted for an Energy Institute award for his cutting-edge research.

Ahmad Taha, who is an international student from Cairo, Egypt, has been shortlisted for his work of reducing Medway NHS Foundation Trust’s use of electricity.

Achieving a five percent reduction in the Trust’s electricity usage, Ahmad used Human Computer Interaction (HCI) to encourage staff engagement, raise awareness of energy usage and improve pro-environmental behaviour. 

Ahmad said: “Using engineering and technology, I have developed a dashboard which raises awareness about energy consumption and encourages staff at the Trust to adopt energy-saving behaviour, such as switching off unnecessary lights and not using more electricity than is needed.

“My passion has always been engineering. I enjoy having the ability to design and build, create and innovate, and develop technology that can help contribute to society and influence change. Studying engineering allows me to make an actual real contribution to society.

“Working at the Trust has been an incredibly rewarding experience and it’s amazing to have been shortlisted for the Energy Institute award. It’s great to be recognised by industry and to knowthat my research is making a real difference.” 

The project’s long-term aim is sustaining a pro-environmental behaviour alongside contributing towards the carbon reduction targets set by the government.

Neil Adams, Head of Clinical Engineering at the Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Ahmad is such an intelligent and hardworking man who is clearly going places on a global platform.

“Ahmad challenged our thinking with energy use in the healthcare workplace.  Working with him has been very rewarding, I would actively promote engagement with postgraduate students as a way of bringing new, up to date thinking and ideas into established routine.  As Ahmad has tested his concepts, we have looked at our practice. Initially postgraduate students and their focused projects seem daunting, but quickly they become part of the team.  They improve ideas and can offer a lot more than their research.  As Ahmad completes his work at the hospital, I can say that he will be missed at the Trust.

“Ahmad’s project will make a difference; future projects will do the same and I look forward to being able to work again with students from the University of Greenwich.”

Winners of the Energy Institute awards will be announced at an event taking place in London on 7 November. For more information click here.