James joined Buro Happold in March 2005, initially specialising in sustainability and alternative technologies. After a period developing energy utility infrastructure planning and design capability in our Infrastructure team, James joined the Energy team in 2016. He is now the team’s Discipline Director.

James is a chartered Mechanical Engineer and has a doctorate in Sustainable Energy Systems. He has an in depth knowledge of both renewable and low carbon energy systems and the wider field, including the impact of climate change on buildings and infrastructure as well as future-proofing for technology transitions.

James has worked on a variety of international projects in the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. His expertise lie in energy strategy development and the delivery of sustainable energy and water systems at masterplanning scale. James also specialises in infrastructure coordination and planning projects, namely district heating/cooling and other energy utilities.

He has led or had a principle role in a number of high profile projects including; the Energy Technologies Institute UK Energy Infrastructure Pathways 2050, the development of the Olympics Energy Framework, University of Glasgow CHP/District Heating System, University of East Anglia 25 year Energy Infrastructure Plan, University of Edinburgh Zero Carbon Strategy, International Quarter London and Stratford Waterfront.

In addition, James is the programme director for three major frameworks; Zero Waste Scotland, SINFRA and the Energy Systems Catapult – leading on significant strategic projects on future energy strategy transitions.