The transition to a sustainable future depends as much on how we use energy as how we produce it. That message came through strongly at this year’s European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ECEEE) Summer Study, where we had a significant presence, with 13 EDRC researchers presenting across a wide range of topics.
Energy demand at the forefront: EDRC at the ECEEE Summer Study
Understanding where and how energy is used
A key theme across our contributions was the importance of understanding energy demand in detail. Malcolm Morgan presented insights from 13 years of data mapping building and transport emissions across the UK, highlighting important trends in areas such as car ownership and building energy use.
This kind of analysis also reveals important inequalities. High-income households often consume more energy and may also own short-term let properties, which are particularly challenging to retrofit due to limited incentives, as James Latham highlighted. Meanwhile, work by Imogen Rattle showed that small and medium-sized enterprises not only lack data on their energy use, but also need a shared understanding of what decarbonisation means in practice.
Rethinking flexibility in the energy system
Flexibility was another major focus. Jacopo Torriti explored how Building Flexibility Certificates could potentially replace Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), offering a more system-wide perspective on energy use.
However, flexibility is not neutral. Lirong Liu’s research emphasised the equity implications, showing that some households and areas may be better positioned to benefit than others. Extending this further, Jose Luis Ramirez-Mendiola discussed the potential for spatial flexibility, where electricity consumption and storage are adjusted based on location.
AI and energy demand: opportunities and questions
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in both formal presentations and informal discussions. Michael Fell’s work on co-designing AI simulation tools demonstrated the importance of incorporating human input into AI development. At the same time, Thorin Daniel presented a large language model (LLM)-based database search tool designed specifically for energy demand research.
These developments raise important questions. As AI becomes more embedded in the energy system, we need to think carefully about what sufficient and responsible energy use in AI looks like.
Wellbeing, equity and wider impacts
Beyond technical solutions, many presentations emphasised the social dimensions of energy demand. George Warren is developing new ways of conceptualising energy equity, taking into account different activities, scales, and goals. Timothy Foxon explored how societies could live well within planetary boundaries, placing wellbeing and social value alongside economic outcomes.
At the local level, Joshua Lait highlighted frameworks that help authorities capture the wider co-benefits of energy demand action, such as improved employment opportunities. Our Director, Mari Martiskainen also co-presented with Dan Bainbridge on “warm spaces”, an initiative that emerged in response to the energy affordability crisis and has since evolved into a broader place-based approach supporting both energy demand reduction and community regeneration.
Looking ahead
“Thank you to the conference organisers and everyone who came to listen to our talks and thanks also to our funder UK Research and Innovation for enabling us to attend an established event that brings together academics, policy makers & practitioners across to world” commented our Director Mari Martiskainen adding “I was particularly delighted to receive all the direct positive feedback on our Centre’s work – well done team!”