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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to discuss the methodology and results of using thermography for pre-retrofit (pre-R:T) and post-retrofit (post-R:T) surveys undertaken to qualitatively assess retrofitted external wall insulation (EWI) on pre-1919 existing dwellings with solid exterior walls. Design/methodology/approach -This study involved undertaking qualitative thermography surveys before and after installation of EWI at two mid-terrace dwellings in Swansea (UK). One dwelling was part of a whole-street approach and the other was an isolated installation. Findings -The two case studies have provided evidence of potential thermal bridges created as a result of an incomplete covering of EWI. Whilst overall heat loss appears to have been reduced, further evidence is required to establish the extent to which these thermal bridges reduce overall thermal performance.Research limitations/implications -Only two schemes undertaken in Swansea (UK) are represented in this study and are therefore not a reflection of EWI installations generally. Nevertheless, the study suggests more general concerns with the installation of EWI where a continuous covering of insulation cannot be achieved. Further research is required to assess the long-term implications of thermal bridges on the condition of the dwelling and the health of occupants. Originality/value -This paper has introduced and tested a pre-R:T and post-R:T methodology for assessing the thermal performance of deprived dwellings, which have had EWI retrofitted to solid exterior walls. By using the pre-R:T and post-R:T methodology the paper has demonstrated a visual method for illustrating problems in retrofitting EWI and highlighted improvements in thermal performance, which can be used by stakeholders involved in the maintenance and improvement of existing dwellings.

This paper documents a water:energy greenhouse gas (GHG) metric methodology for a decentralized non-potable water system that was developed as part of a Professional Doctorate in Engineering (DEng) research project by the first author. The project identified the need to investigate the challenges in changing the use of potable water to recycled water for landscape irrigation (LI) and for water features (WFs) at a medical facility case study (MFCS) in Abu Dhabi (AD) (the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The drivers for the research project were based on the need for AD to decrease desalinated potable water as well as reduce the environmental impact and operational costs associated with the processing and use of desalinated water. Thus, the aim of the research discussed and presented in this paper was to measure the impact of using recycled and onsite non-potable water sources at the MFCS to alleviate the use of desalinated potable water and reduce associated energy consumption, operational costs, and GHG emissions (latterly in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2e ), for LI and WFs. The analysis of three case scenarios at the MFCS compared different approaches to alleviate energy use, costs, and GHG impacts for the use of recycled water in LI and WFs against a baseline. The findings led to a proposed sustainable water conservation and reuse (SWC) strategy, which helped save 50% desalinated potable water for LI use by soil improvement, building water system audits, and alternate non-potable water reuse. The recommendations for this paper are to develop a SWC strategy forming the basis for a water protocol by the competent authority for regional medical facilities including an assessment methodology for building decentralized non-potable water systems to measure their energy, GHG emissions and financial impact.

 Abstract-The aim of the study was to evaluate relevant factors related to causes of Road Traffic Accidents, RTAs, among drivers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, UAE. A questionnaire was developed and piloted in the UK and UAE. There were two versions of questionnaires distributed, one in Arabic language and the second one in English language. All respondents completed and signed a consent form which included information on their rights to withdraw from the study. Six hundred questionnaires were distributed in Abu Dhabi, with the help of two research assistants, from which 291 questionnaires from 185 males and 106 females were returned. The results have identified a number of factors as causes of road traffic accidents in Abu Dhabi and suggested ways to reduce the high RTAs reported in the country. The paper argues that the government should continue to encourage participation of all relevant stakeholders for RTAs reduction initiatives.

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