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Dr Yangang Xing leads innovative initiative to map waste heat and conserve heritage buildings

The project brought together around 100 Year 12 students, research interns, and young volunteer engineers to explore how low-carbon energy could be harnessed to heat historic churches across the City of London.

By Jon Duckworth | Published on 11 July 2025

A group of four people standing in front of a table in a church. On the table is a 3D map of the London Underground system.
Over the last ten months, the Mapping Energy project has combined science, engineering, and creativity in a hands-on investigation into energy futures for heritage settings. Led by Dr Yangang Xing, the project introduced students to real-world challenges with visits to heritage sites and energy providers and investigations into geothermal and underground heat sources. Their mission: to explore how waste heat could be captured and redirected to support sustainable energy use in places of worship and architectural heritage.
A poster giving information about a church near Cannon Street, London

Students from seven local schools were involved in the project.

Dr Xing, an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, whose expertise in sustainable building technologies and heritage-integrated design underpinned the scientific guidance of the project, supported the team in developing innovative proposals. The students’ findings culminated in a showcase of 3D maps, architectural models, and compelling poster presentations now on display at Fleet Green Skills Hub - each a testament to the creativity and technical rigour of the next generation of engineers and designers.

The project, generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Academy of Engineering, not only explored how to lower the carbon footprint of historic buildings but also empowered young minds to lead the way in designing for a greener, more resilient future. It provided a platform for future engineers to apply STEM skills to real-world sustainability challenges while fostering pride and responsibility for the built heritage of London.

Dr Xing remarked; "This collaboration serves as a powerful example of how interdisciplinary research and community engagement can shape the cities of tomorrow, respectful of their past, and bold in their vision for the future."

The 3D map that was created as part of the project will remain on display at the Fleet Green Skills Hub, on New Bridge Street, EC4V, throughout the summer.