Ilija holds a degree in mathematics and physics from the University of Sts Cyril and Methodius and a MSc. in Ecological economics. Ilija Sazdovski submitted his Ph.D. thesis in the field of circular aspects of materials. Since 2018, he works as a Researcher at the UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF and Lectures Climate Change and Circular Economics Courses in the Master Studies at the University of Pompau Fabra in Barcelona.
He has more than 16 years of experience working in the development sector (USAID, UNDP and GIZ) and was hired by the United Nations as International Expert for development of complex Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Systems for calculation of greenhouse gasses.
Between 2012 and 2018, he was part of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Conference for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environmental Systems.
He is authoring numerous scientific articles, technical reports, strategies, and conference papers.
Ilija is a seasoned researcher with extensive experience providing technical support to energy-related ministries. His expertise lies in harmonizing monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) methodologies for National Energy Efficiency Plans (NEEAP). At a local level, he played a pivotal role in supporting the capital cities of Southeast Europe as part of the EU's Covenant of Mayors initiative.
Ilija's contributions extend to co-authoring the III NEEAP for Macedonia and developing a national sub-law for MRV of energy and greenhouse gas reductions. He has also been instrumental in creating various software solutions for energy monitoring, earning him recognition as an International Expert employed by the United Nations for designing complex MRV systems.
His most recent endeavors focus on the calculation of the Carbon Footprint of the Catalan Health System within the Horizon-funded CATALYSE project. Beyond this, Ilija conducted groundbreaking research during his thesis, delving into the realms of Life Cycle Assessment and circular properties of both bio-based and fossil-based polymer materials.
In addition to his research prowess, Ilija possesses valuable skills in laboratory testing, covering mechanical, chemical, optical, and processing properties. His expertise is particularly evident in determining qualitative losses of materials and parameters integral to the European Product Environmental Footprint Process.
