Sue's research interests include the emerging field of Low Carbon Building design incorporating issues of passive building performance, efficient technology, building integrated renewable energy generators and human behaviour and subtle controls to create low energy and low carbon buildings; natural ventilation of buildings; the adaptation of buildings and cities for climate change and fuel poverty.  During Sue's time at Heriot Watt University, she has started the Scottish Carbon Accounting Group and initiated a number of research projects based on past, present and future energy supplies in the Scottish Borders communities and Council involving community renewable energy projects as well as leading a major new research initiative to build a Heriot Watt demonstration Ecovillage, the Riccarton Ecovillage, to test energy supply, demand and behavioural models.