Gavin has a BA in Linguistics from York University and an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from the University of East London, in association with the Centre for Alternative Technology. He joined the ECI in 2004 after working for 10 years on energy efficiency and building-integrated renewable energy projects in the voluntary and public sectors. He has reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions in his own 1908 home by 60% through major refurbishment.

Research Interests

I am interested in finding solutions for a more sustainable built environment. I take a broad 'socio-technical systems' approach to investigating how technology and behaviour evolve and affect each other, with the ultimate goal of proposing positive change by understanding better the workings of complex systems.

Most of my research focus has been on existing housing in the context of climate change mitigation - investigating how 2050 climate change targets might be met through the markets for property (sales and rentals) and repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI). This involves economic transactions, flows of information at many different levels, and challenges for many existing institutions. I aim to make my research relevant to policy.

Current Projects

Building Expertise: A System of Professions Approach to Low-Carbon Housing Refurbishment

cRRescendo - Combined Rational and Renewable Energy Strategies in Cities, for Existing and New Dwellings to ensure Optimal quality of life.

Recent Publications

• Killip, G. (2011) Implications of an 80% CO₂ emissions reduction target for the UK housing refurbishment industry, doctoral thesis, University of Oxford
• Killip, G. (2011) 'Can Market Transformation approaches apply to service markets? An investigation of innovation, learning, risk and reward in the case of low-carbon housing refurbishment in the UK' ECEEE summer study, Presqu'Île de Gens, June 2011, European Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• Nösperger, S., Killip, G., Janda, K. (2011) 'Building Expertise: A System of Professions Approach to Low-Carbon Refurbishment in the UK and France' ECEEE summer study, Presqu'Île de Gens, June 2011, European Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• Janda, K., Killip, G., (2010) 'Building Expertise: A System of Professions Approach to Low-Carbon Practice' American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 2010, Monterey, California
• Killip, G. (2010) 'Innovation in service markets for a low-carbon future and the privileged status of policy in shaping sociotechnical change: lessons from housing refurbishment in the UK' Energy transitions conference, SPRU, University of Sussex, February 2010
• Hamilton, J., Killip, G. (2009) 'Demonstration, inspiration … replication? Assessing the impact and limits of social learning from Eco-homes Open Days in the UK' ECEEE summer study, Presqu'Île de Gens, June 2009, European Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• Killip, G. ‘It's the Size of the Reduction Target, Stupid! The Need for a Wholesale Re-Think of Energy Efficiency Policy in UK Housing’, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, August 17 - 22, Monterey, California
• Killip, G. (2008) ‘Transforming the UK’s existing housing stock’, client report for Federation of Master Builders, July 2008
• Killip, G. (2008) ‘Climate change and the existing housing stock’ in Sinn, C and Perry, J., (eds) Housing, the environment and our changing climate, Policy and Practice series, Chartered Institute of Housing, Coventry