Dr Ali Abdi

Academic qualifications

PhD in Building Energy Efficiency, AFHEA, MSc Oil and Gas, PGDM Construction Management, BA Business Management

Email

aabdi@ucb.ac.uk

"My mission is to open students' eyes to the diverse, technical possibilities of today's built environment sector and support them in stepping outside their comfort zones."

My expertise spans carbon and sustainability management, urban resilience, smart cities, and infrastructure, alongside quality and environmental management systems, energy efficiency in buildings, and the impact of climate change on health and communities. I’m a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) with advanced qualifications, including a Level 7 in Strategic Management and Leadership, in Managing Safely in the Oil, Gas and Energy Industry (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and I’m an ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System Lead Auditor (IRCA). I specialise in advancing sustainable built environment practices in both the UK and internationally.

My professional background in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects has given me hands-on experience in project planning, site management, and sustainable construction. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams has refined my ability to balance innovation with regulatory compliance, while pioneering approaches such as off-site smart construction using precast concrete and steel.

My industry insights directly shape my teaching, where I bring real-world case studies, project challenges, and best practice standards to the classroom. I aim to ensure that students graduate not just with academic knowledge, but also with the confidence and professional readiness to thrive in today’s construction industry. In 2023, I was honoured as ‘Somali Graduate of the Year’ by the British Somali Community .

I’m an active contributor to research, and I have published in leading conferences and journals, exploring topics such as energy conservation, fuel poverty, climate impacts, and health implications for vulnerable populations.

I remain deeply connected to the industry through collaborations with construction, sustainability, and building services professionals, and I regularly attend events and conferences to stay at the forefront of developments in low-carbon technologies, digital construction, and green materials. What inspires me most is the rapid evolution of construction technologies, and their potential to reshape how we build - pushing the boundaries of sustainability, resilience, and smart design.

A common misconception I address in my teaching is that construction is purely about manual labour or site work. In reality, today’s built environment sector is highly technical and diverse, encompassing digital modelling (BIM), sustainability assessment, consultancy, building services engineering, and leadership roles. My mission is to open students’ eyes to these possibilities and support them in stepping outside of their comfort zones.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about travelling, exploring diverse cultures, football (both watching and playing!), and spending quality time with family. I also take an active interest in my continuing personal development, particularly in terms of using digital tools and technologies to enhance my teaching and productivity.