Originally a mechanical engineer, Stuart obtained his PhD on the hydrodynamics of tidal stream turbines, then undertook an EPSRC Fellowship on the same subject. He subsequently began working on sustainability assessment to understand the balance of material and manufacturing resource use against the long-term benefits of renewable energy.
This focus on Life Cycle Assessment developed through post-doctoral roles at the University of Sheffield and University of Derby, then through the development of a tool for impact assessment of tidal energy developed at the University of Exeter. Stuart most recently worked at the Energy Saving Trust on organisational emission measurement and target setting, research for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and developing off-grid cold rooms to preserve fresh produce at markets in sub-Saharan Africa.
He is interested in advancing the field of Life Cycle Assessment to include the dynamics of time and location, and fully understanding the impact and potential benefits of bio-based materials.