1. The role of community-based initiatives in energy saving www.energy.soton.ac.uk/communities www.energy.soton.ac.uk/communities Project funded under RCUK ‘Energy and Communities’ programme Social scientists: Graham Smith (Political Science) Nick Bardsley (Economist, Reading) Milena Büchs (Sociology) Clare Saunders (Political Science) Rebecca Wallbridge (Sociology) Engineers: Patrick James Tasos Papafragkou Nick Woodman Interdisciplinary PhD student: Tom Rushby

2. Research question: Can community-based initiatives make a measurable contribution to net domestic energy savings? –If so, how?

3. Research methods Mixed methods Field experiment –Matched case and control trial – 180 households –Treatment group – insulation upgrade and AlertMes, with ongoing engagement with local Greening Group –Control group – insulation upgrade and AltertMes only –Longitudinal measurement of household energy use (four heating seasons) alongside regular surveys of consumption practices and attitudes and networks –Qualitative interviews with participants Comparative analysis –Comparison of experimental results with activities and impact of other community initiatives aimed at domestic energy reduction.