Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Energy, behaviour and micro-generation Mari Martiskainen Sussex Energy Group Presentation to Information for Energy Group Energy Institute 24th May 2007

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Energy, behaviour and micro- generation Introduction to Sussex Energy Group Behaviour & energy demand Micro-generation Key information resources Summary

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Introduction to Sussex Energy Group The Sussex Energy Group (SEG) is based at SPRU (Science & Technology Policy Research), University of Sussex Team of 17 researchers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD Students Understanding the challenges and opportunities for transitions to a sustainable energy economy Inter-disciplinary social science research Core funding from Economic and Social Research Council

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Behaviour & energy demand Key research questions –How can energy-using behaviour be understood? –What are the options for encouraging behavioural change? –What are the potential savings from such ‘behavioural’ measures? Historical aspects –1970’s - oil price shocks –Bittle et al. ( ): ‘One of the most important problems facing our society today is the problem of energy conservation. The rapidly dwindling known supplies of oil, coupled with accelerating energy needs has created a crisis like atmosphere which has stimulated activity in both political and scientific areas’ (pg. 275). – ’s – economic, environment –1990’s – climate change –2000’s – climate change, sustainability, consumer behaviour

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Behaviour & energy demand cont. Several economic and psychological behavioural change models Jackson T. (2005) Motivating Sustainable Consumption, a review of evidence on consumer behaviour and behavioural change. Defra Sustainable Development Research Network. Behavioural influences –Internal and external factors –Habits and routine How to change ‘bad’ behaviour? –Persuasion and social learning theories –Social marketing techniques –Technology/consumer choices?

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Behaviour & energy demand cont. Energy consumption and behaviour –Electricity and gas use in the home e.g. lighting, washing, setting thermostat level –Domestic energy consumption keeps increasing 27% UK’s CO 2 emissions –More appliances, comfortable houses –Link between domestic energy behaviour and climate change not clear –Comfort more important than environmental factors

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Behaviour & energy demand cont. Intervention studies popular in the 1970’s – energy conservation –Some studies lack methodological strength –One measure or a combination of several? –How to ensure long-term behavioural change? –How much people save energy rather than why they don’t save energy Later research have looked/is looking at technical as well as behavioural aspects –Smart meters and display units –Social marketing techniques, EcoTeams –New technologies including micro-generation Feedback on energy use shown to reduce consumption by up to 15%

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Micro-generation Fairly new concept, though not new technology Generation of low or zero carbon heat or electricity in the smaller scale Micro-wind, solar thermal, photovoltaics, ground- and air source heat pumps, biomass, micro-hydro, combined heat and power Provides electricity and heat at the point of demand 25 million homes, schools, office buildings, business centres, farms etc… Fuel poverty Security of supply

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Micro-generation cont. Interest from politicians and public high – ‘green bling’ Barriers to development remain Technical issues –Does technology work and provide what is promised? Regulatory issues –Planning -> some Local Authorities do not approve –Financial -> Low Carbon Buildings Programme and lack of grants, rewards for export –Metering –Health & Safety Potential for behavioural change? –Are those who install micro-generation more aware of energy use and its climate impacts? –Role of energy efficiency

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Key information resources - behaviour Academic journals –American Psychologist; Energy and Buildings; Energy Policy; Environment and Behavior; Journal of Consumer Research Books –Goldblatt D. (2005) Sustainable Energy Consumption and Society : Personal, Technological, or Social Change? Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Conference proceedings –European Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Summer Study Government reports & policy documents –Sustainable Development Commission, Defra, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Personal communication

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Key information resources – micro-generation Government reports & policy documents –Government Microgeneration Strategy -> DTI (2006). Our Energy Challenge, Power from the people –Department of Communities and Local Government -> planning related documents –Ofgem -> metering Conference presentations rather than proceedings Trade bodies & industry relations –British Wind Energy Association, Micropower Council, Renewable Energy Association Personal communication –Stakeholders, policy makers, industry

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Conclusions Behaviour is complex and affected by several factors Energy consuming behaviours are not easily changed – require a combination of measures Changing energy consuming behaviours has to take into consideration internal and external factors Intervention measures have to be cost-effective, convenient, relevant and simple – micro-generation not there yet Make energy saving behaviours socially admirable and give people better tools to start saving Wide range of information sources available on behaviour; less so on micro-generation, but increasing

Sussex Energy Group SPRU - Science and Technology Policy Research IFEG Thank you Contact: Mari Martiskainen, Research Officer Tel