Dr Ronita Bardhan, Associate Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge, has been featured in the University’s flagship initiative on Using AI to Protect Nature and Climate. Her research is recognised for its pioneering use of artificial intelligence to address the dual challenges of building decarbonisation and public health in the context of climate change.
Dr Bardhan’s work focuses on improving energy efficiency and health outcomes in UK homes through the use of advanced space-tech thermographic imaging and AI analytics. Her team is monitoring heat loss and indoor overheating—critical issues affecting both sustainability and well-being, especially in vulnerable populations.
“Our aim is to make homes not just energy efficient, but also healthier and more resilient to climate stress,” said Dr Bardhan. “AI enables us to detect patterns of heat vulnerability and energy inefficiency at scale, helping inform interventions that are both equitable and climate-conscious.”
Her research stands at the intersection of architecture, health, and data science, and is part of a broader interdisciplinary effort within the University to tackle climate change through innovation and collaboration.