Rethinking Water and Energy: How Dr Greg McNamara Designs Sustainable Systems for a Changing World
Using life cycle thinking to reduce environmental impact and support smarter water and energy use
Water and energy systems are deeply connected, shaping everything from food production to climate resilience. At the DCU Water Institute, Dr Greg McNamara is working at this intersection, developing practical solutions that reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable ways of managing resources.
Research focus and connection to water and environmental challenges
Dr Greg McNamara is an Assistant Professor in Sustainable Engineering and Energy Systems in the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Dublin City University. His research brings together three core areas: energy, water, and life cycle assessment.
Life cycle assessment provides the foundation for his work, allowing him to evaluate the environmental impacts of systems from start to finish. Using this approach, he examines the water–energy nexus, identifying where resources can be used more efficiently and where environmental impacts can be reduced.
He is currently involved in several funded research projects, including work exploring the feasibility of water reuse in the food and beverage industry. This research investigates how treated wastewater can be safely reused for non-food-contact applications, helping to reduce discharges into natural water bodies while supporting more sustainable industrial practices.
By connecting engineering, environmental science, and sustainability, his work contributes to more resilient systems that respond to both climate and resource challenges.
One Real-World Impact of his work
A defining strength of Greg’s research is its direct relevance to policy and industry.
He previously contributed to a national research project on the design of small-scale wastewater treatment systems, with findings published through the Environmental Protection Agency’s STRIVE programme. This work highlighted the potential of constructed wetlands to significantly improve the environmental performance of wastewater treatment.
The research was shared with Uisce Éireann and has since helped inform wider discussions on sustainable wastewater solutions in Ireland, including the role of nature-based systems in improving water quality.
More broadly, his work in life cycle assessment supports:
- Better design of water and energy infrastructure.
- Reduced environmental and carbon footprints.
- Evidence-based decision-making in policy and industry.
By translating complex system interactions into clear insights, his research helps shape more sustainable and practical solutions.
How the DCU Water Institute supports his research
The DCU Water Institute plays a central role in enabling Greg’s interdisciplinary work.
Through its strong network, the Institute supports the formation of collaborative research teams, particularly for large-scale projects that require expertise across engineering, environmental science, and policy. It also provides access to shared resources and helps attract high-quality postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers.
The Institute’s collaborative environment has been especially important in connecting the School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering with other disciplines across the university, strengthening the impact and reach of his research.
Reflection on the DCU Water Institute’s Impact
Reflecting on the Institute’s role, Greg highlights its importance in addressing complex, real-world challenges:
“Research centres such as the Water Institute play a crucial role in maintaining focus on challenges that are intrinsically connected to every facet of society, from public health and environmental protection to economic development.”
Looking ahead, he emphasises the importance of sustaining this momentum:
“I hope the legacy established continues to be built upon with the same level of enthusiasm, urgency, and ambition, ensuring the Institute remains a hub for impactful, interdisciplinary research.”
Read Dr McNamara's full profile: https://www.dcu.ie/mechanicalengineering/people/greg-mcnamara