Doctoral Programme in Resource-Efficient Built Environments

As a doctoral student in this programme, you will work to achieve sustainable development with a focus on energy technology solutions in the built environment. In pursuit of this aim, you will work as part of a team of experienced researchers, collaborating with companies and society at large.

You can also apply by presenting a certificate of funding from an external employer. When this is the case, funding must cover four years maximum of study for a Degree of Licentiate or eight years maximum for a Degree of Doctor.

The Doctoral (Third Cycle) Subject Energy Systems in the Built Environment

This programme leads to a Degree of Licentiate or a Degree of Doctor in Energy Systems in the Built Environment. In addition to energy technology solutions, the concept of energy includes efficient energy use from a resource perspective on raw material use (primary energy) and environmental impact (for example, local and global emissions). Energy as a resource in buildings is seen from a life-cycle perspective in the design of energy system solutions that are sustainable in the long term. The impact of energy systems on the indoor climate in a building can be an important study component. In the subject, emphasis is on energy technology installations located in the built environment, which includes solar energy installations, installations for heating/cooling and electricity, and energy transfer in local distribution networks. The subject has a special profile in solar energy technology solutions integrated into the energy systems of buildings.

The built environment refers to construction in the form of residential buildings and premises and can in certain special applications refer to industry and energy facilities where the subject profile and knowledge within the research area can be applied. This may apply to, for example, energy solutions for process heating/cooling.

Research Area - Resource Efficient Built Environment

In addition to energy, the research area Resource Efficient Built Environment includes research on resources, materials and the environment in the built environment: resource-efficient use of materials in construction, operation and demolition, healthy indoor climates, and low environmental impact from a life-cycle perspective on construction.

As well as buildings, central to the concept of a built environment are spatial structures with infrastructure and functions for people’s lives and activities in an area, with a basis in research on spatial planning. The research area as a whole aims to build knowledge so as to develop sustainable civil planning and construction. It therefore has an interdisciplinary character where doctoral studies can include elements of a sociotechnical or techno-economic nature in projects in collaboration with social planners, social scientists and economists.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this doctoral programme is to educate researchers who can develop knowledge about energy systems in the built environment and their role in society and who can also continue working within academia or heading development within companies.

Admission

Vacant PhD positions are advertised under Vacant Positions on our website.

You can also apply by presenting a certificate of funding from an external employer. When this is the case, funding must cover four years maximum of study for a Degree of Licentiate or eight years maximum for a Degree of Doctor.

PhD-Students and Supervisors

Ian Garman
Research Assistant Construction Technology
Johan Heier
Doctoral Student energisystem i byggd miljö
Therese Olsson
Lecturer Construction Technology
Marieke Rynoson
Doctoral Student Energy Engineering (Leave of Absence)
Doctoral Student energisystem i byggd miljö

 

André Augusto
Professor Energy Engineering
Chris Bales
Professor Energy Engineering
Frank Fiedler
Senior Lecturer Energy and Environmental Technology
Jonn Are Myhren
Associate Professor
Tomas Persson
Associate Professor
Mats Rönnelid
Professor Energy Engineering
Jingchun Shen
Senior Lecturer Construction Technology
Tony Svensson
Senior Lecturer Construction Technology
Xingxing Zhang
Professor Energy Engineering
 

Doctoral Courses

The course has no instances planned right now.
3 Credits, Third Cycle
The course has no instances planned right now.
Autumn 2025 (week 46), 25%
Normal (Campus), Borlänge, in English
Autumn 2025 (week 46), 25%
Normal (Campus), Borlänge, in English
Semester:
Autumn 2025
Start week:
Start: week beginning 10 Nov 2025
Study Rate:
25%
Location:
Borlänge
Time of Day:
Day
Teaching form:
Normal (Campus)
Language:
English
Application Code:
HTEB3PEV
Entry Qualifications:
  • To be admitted to the course, students must either have been admitted to the doctoral programme Energy Systems in the Built Environment or have a relevant thesis subject at Dalarna University or another higher education institution. Doctoral students who have not been admitted to a doctoral programme at Dalarna University are accepted subject to space in the course
5 Credits, Third Cycle
Autumn 2025 (week 36), 25%
Normal (Campus), Borlänge, in English
Autumn 2025 (week 36), 25%
Normal (Campus), Borlänge, in English
Semester:
Autumn 2025
Start week:
Start: week beginning 1 Sep 2025
Study Rate:
25%
Location:
Borlänge
Time of Day:
Day
Teaching form:
Normal (Campus)
Language:
English
Application Code:
HTEB3PEW
Entry Qualifications:
  • To be admitted to the course, students must either have been admitted to the doctoral programme Energy Systems in the Built Environment or have a relevant thesis subject at Dalarna University or another higher education institution. Doctoral students who have not been admitted to a doctoral programme at Dalarna University are accepted subject to space in the course
4,5 Credits, Third Cycle
The course has no instances planned right now.
Last reviewed:
Contacts
Xingxing Zhang
Professor Energy Engineering
Director of studies for the doctoral program
Last reviewed: