Our People

Dr Giovani Palafox-Alcantar

Head of Executive Education, Research Associate in Sustainable Cooling Production Networks

PhD (Birmingham); MPhil and BSc (University of Guadalajara)

Giovani’s research focuses on Global Production Networks for cooling systems, particularly on analysing the end-of-life stage in order to integrate these systems into a Circular Economy. He also works on improving metrics to measure the real environmental impact of f-gas refrigerants, which have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). Additionally, he works on the innovative business model Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) to understand how to make access to cooling more affordable and equitable, as well as more energy-efficient and promote the use of natural refrigerants.

Giovani holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK. His research focused on developing a tool to facilitate stakeholder cooperation in adopting Circular Economy principles in Municipal Solid Waste Management, particularly in the Energy-from-Waste sector. He also was a member of the Liveable Cities team where he contributed to the transition towards a Circular Economy in cities through the optimisation of their Urban Metabolism. He also holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and a MPhil in Business and Economic Studies from the University of Guadalajara. Giovani has been a visiting scholar at University of Melbourne and University of Birmingham.

Giovani is also the Head of Executive Education at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment (SSEE). He plays a pivotal role in expanding and delivering high-quality Executive Education programmes. He is responsible for creating, developing, planning, and coordinating SSEE’s Executive Education offerings, catering to a diverse range of clients, including corporate, government, and NGO entities. He spearheads the development of courses tailored to the diverse needs of individuals, organisations, and society, including influential decision-makers who can champion positive change.