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Holly Edwards

Project Title: Aircraft Cost Index and its potential for carbon reductions from Aviation

Background

I completed my BSc in Environmental Science at the University of York in 2008. After taking a year out working in railway engineering, I undertook my MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London, specialising in energy policy. Upon graduating I worked in an environmental consultancy for a year before starting on the DTC course. I was attracted to the DTC because of its interdisciplinary nature, giving me the opportunity to develop research skills in engineering, as well as continuing to be involved with in depth study into energy policy.

Research Interests

My research focuses on the Cost Index tool, which has the purpose of balancing the cost of fuel with the cost of time of a flight giving a value which, when entered into the flight management computer, calculates the speed of that particular flight. This has a direct impact on carbon emissions, as faster speeds result in higher emissions. However, this tool is not well understood and in general airlines are not using it optimally. Therefore this research has three key objectives:

  • Evaluate the potential of the tool in reducing carbon emissions.
  • Create a new model of calculating the cost index.
  • Determine how future impacts on the aviation industry will affect emissions on a flight-to-flight basis through cost index, with the aim of informing aviation policy decisions.

I have gained valuable support for this research through collaboration with the airline Cathay Pacific. I initially spent one month in November 2012 with the airline forming my PhD project and a week in September 2014 working on Cost Index.

I have also undertaken other research projects during my time on the PhD. These include creating a Solar City Indicator to determine the potential for solar power generation in UK cities; assessing how automobile manufacturers in Europe have been meeting their emissions targets; and exploring the potential for airline-rail partnerships to reduce emissions through the new high-speed rail route in the UK.

In addition to my research I also enjoy taking part in outreach activities, such as contributing to the Dreams of a Low Carbon Future graphic novel; demonstrating at science festivals; producing a film about our centre for the Durham Energy Futures film festival; and being a green flag assessor for Eco-Schools.

Visit Holly's personal website: http://hollyaberry.wordpress.com