United Kingdom
Mehrdad has 18 years of experience in sustainability within local authorities, professional practice, and higher education. His expertise extends to a wide range of fields within architecture, NZC, retrofit, environmental design and sustainability. Mehrdad is well-versed in the sustainability policy context, legislative framework and related funding regimes. One of Mehrdad's recent achievements includes spearheading the development of a comprehensive green economy strategy for Islington Council, aimed at supporting retrofit programmes, green high streets, improving air quality and health outcomes, and generating employment opportunities that promote economic wellbeing. He is also skilled in seeking creative opportunities for external funding and financing initiatives to support funding sustainability priorities. He successfully collaborated and contributed to securing £3.7 million in funding from the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to fuel these transformative projects. As a member of IAQM, IES, and Scientific Committee Member of PLEA, his work is regularly presented at conferences and symposia. His doctoral studies at the University of Westminster have resulted in a set of guidelines for reforming the urban form to mitigate environmental challenges in urban areas. He is eager to bring his expertise, passion, and dedication to new challenges in the field of sustainability, and always welcomes the opportunity to make a positive change in the local and larger context.
At the heart of the Mayor of London's Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), I drive impactful change by spearheading the integration of innovative sustainability strategy in all that we do from architecting sustainable development plans across energy, water, waste, biodiversity and air quality, to taking the lead in shaping OPDC's socioeconomic programmes and navigating their implementation. I’m on the frontlines, forging connections with stakeholders, governmental bodies, and local authorities. Together with OPDC's senior management team, I'm weaving sustainability consciousness into our corporate fabric, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future takes centre stage.
- Studio teaching and lecture undergraduate and postgraduate students in MSc and BSc Architecture and Environmental Design course - Academic Leader of the Latitudes Network Programme 2019-20 - Supervise academic work by undergraduate, postgraduate, and visiting researchers - Contributed to externally and internally funded projects i.e. UKRI-Natural Environment Research Council and Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT) Research Community - Organise conferences and establish contacts with the wider academic community - Prepare course materials for various modules and topics - Grade and assess students work and provide feedback and support to achieve progress - As an executive module leader for Climate, Energy and Architecture module in addition to the above I am also responsible for module management; involve in external examiner review activities and liaison with collaborative partners
The core focus of my research is to outline a set of schematic urban design guidance which can be seen to motivate more positive impact on the formation of urban microclimate which can encourage dispersion of air pollution concentration in urban areas and respectively reduce its adverse impact on human health.
I joined Islington Council to develop a green economy strategy as part of the council’s net zero carbon strategy. I’m translating green policies and developments into a programme of green economy projects – with a view to greening local businesses, upskilling local residents, prioritising retrofit projects and maximising the impact of other council or partners initiatives so that we can achieve a Net Zero Carbon borough by 2030. Moreover, to make the best possible use of anticipated funding streams that will be released over the next few years, to support green high streets, improve local air quality and health outcomes, and employment that brings economic wellbeing to all. Till today, I have successfully secured £3.7 million in funding from the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to fuel these green transformative projects. I also manage and oversee social value requirements for multiple contracts ranging in value from £36 million to £200k. My responsibility is to secure as many social value gains as possible - to help make Islington fairer, greener, and a place where everyone, regardless of background, has the same opportunity to reach their full potential and enjoy a high quality of life.
I teach as a member of a teaching team within MSc Sustainable Building - Performance and Design. I am delivering lectures and interactive workshops on ‘Urban sustainability and microclimates’ and ‘Services and Systems for Net Zero Energy Buildings’ modules. In my sessions, we explore the issues arising from urban development and its implication on district energy generation and distribution, infrastructures and urban microclimate with special emphasis on urban air quality.
Specialities: • Undertaking air quality assessment surveys using both real-time and passive monitoring techniques. • Undertaking occupation exposure monitoring techniques. • Modelling the dispersion of air pollutants by using AERMOD, ADMS, ENVI-met and Autodesk CFD and to assess the movement and volume of air pollution with respect to urban form (solid and porous barriers). • Analysis and interpretation of data collected from desk or field studies. Visualise and create 2D maps and 3D scenes using ArcGIS Pro and compile these into factual reports and offer advice at design stages to deliver optimised solutions and suitable mitigation strategies. These strategies can be range from modification of urban form/building geometry, material, and adjusting the ratio/location/type of vegetation within active urban pockets. • Offer consultation according to Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance (TG16), UK Air Quality Strategy, The Mayor for London’s Air Quality Strategy and Council Strategy. • Contributing to a range of UK/EU and international funding application. • Deliver highly effective CPD and practical workshop sessions on the topic related to Air Quality and Urban Microclimate.