UCL Energy staff present on energy efficiency at European conference eceee 22

The conference took place in Hyères, in the South of France, 6–10 June, and covered a range of topics from energy consumption and behaviour, over policy & evaluation, local energy planning, transportation, buildings, and appliance and product policy.

Mike Fell presented his project pump:chic which, among other things, lets you “test drive” a heat pump using Augmented Reality, sound recordings, and changes in boiler settings.

Nicole Watson discussed whether the current energy supplier model is fit for purpose and whether multiple electricity suppliers could be the future.

Adria Martin Vilaseca presented his paper, “Living with demand response: Insights from a field study of DSR using heat pumps”. The presentation explored the householders’ experience of flexibility and triggered some interesting discussions with the audience.

Rob Liddiard and Katy Janda presented their paper, “4DStock: adding an organisational dimension to a 3D building stock model.” Discussions with members of the audience, after the presentation, were interesting and hopefully will also be fruitful, in terms of future research.

Peter Roscoe presented his work on #netzero challenges and opportunities for small bakery entrepreneurs. Together, Pete, Rob and Katy sought and found opportunities to talk about non-domestic premises and decision-making.

Gesche Huebner led a panel on, “Monitoring and evaluation for a wise, just and inclusive transition”.

Apart from the official panel sessions, eceee thrives on informal sessions to discuss topics around energy in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Mike, Nicole, and Gesche organized an informal session around widening participation, i.e. how the conference and the energy research field more widely can attract a more diverse audience. Gesche additionally co-organized a session around discussing whether energy systems are racist. Gesche also facilitated a workshop by CREDS on what drives impact. Mike co-organised a session focusing on participants’ sensory perceptions of their environment (sight, smell, touch, etc.), and how they connect this to ideas of a low-carbon (or climate changed) future.

Nicole Watson, doctoral researcher at UCL Energy Institute, said: 

““For me, eceee was a bit like lemon sorbet: incredibly refreshing, zesty, and sweet - but also a bit sour because I realized how much I missed out on doing a PhD during two years of the pandemic”.

Pete Roscoe, doctoral researcher at UCL Energy Institute, said:

““The conference presented a wide range of developments, both conceptual and applied. Some ideas and explorations are potentially very positive for energy efficiency take-up and netzero, but others reveal rather timid leadership from national authorities and business”

Links

• European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (eceee)
• Mike Fell
• pump:chic - Test drive a heat pump
• Gesche Huebner
• Katy Janda
• Rob Liddiard
• Peter Roscoe
• Nicole Watson
• Adria Martin Vilaseca