The Energy Demand Research Centre (EDRC) undertakes research for an affordable and secure low energy future. Our interdisciplinary research programme identifies evidence-based energy demand reductions for a sustainable and more equitable future. We work closely with partners from policy, industry, civil society and academia.
About
Photo by Zaptec on Unsplash
Our approach
Energy demand, which means the way people consume energy in homes, buildings, transport and industrial process, has a key part to play as we address climate change and move towards net zero societies.
The energy transition means a change in the way energy is used. Energy demand reductions provide a unique opportunity to bring benefits through improved energy efficiency, emissions reductions, energy security, reduced inequality and better quality of life.
Research has a central role in providing evidence on how change in energy demand can be delivered. We champion interdisciplinary and whole systems research as energy demand is complex. This requires the consideration of technological solutions, innovative business models, flexibility, behaviour change, and robust governance in buildings, transport and industry. Our research investigates how energy demand reductions can be delivered on a local and national level across the UK. We have co-created our research programme with partners to produce actionable outputs.
EDRC was established in July 2023 with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). EDRC consortia is made up of 14 universities across the UK and is led by the Universities of Birmingham.
Stuart Robinson
Looking for
Our objectives
- Undertake a world-leading, interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and co-produced research programme with the capacity to cope with, and respond to, rapidly changing technological, social, environmental, political and economic dynamics and unexpected events in an agile manner.
- Deliver research that is based on robust methods and has actionable outcomes that highlight the role of flexible energy demand reduction in energy decarbonisation pathways across end use sectors, technologies and energy vectors.
- Integrate EDI across the entire research process and be known for embracing EDI to secure best outcomes for staff and the energy demand research field. This means having diverse talent, recognising different strengths, building capacity and promoting a positive working culture.
- Collaborate and engage diverse stakeholders to co-produce relevant research for significant impact, so that we are recognised by policy, business, industry, the third sector and media stakeholders as the place to go to for questions and advice on energy demand solutions, building legacy.
- Quantify and articulate co-benefits that energy demand reduction can bring not only in mitigating climate change but also addressing income inequality, the cost-of-living crisis and wellbeing.
- Achieve a societal shift in the way energy demand is considered in policy, practice and the public eye, so that energy demand is central in climate change, energy security and affordability solutions.
- Be recognised as a global leader in interdisciplinary and creative energy demand research.
Our values
We are committed to collaborative working and the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across everything that we do. Our approach and working practices are based on five core values:
Fair to people and the planet
We are each responsible for our actions and recognise this is a team effort which should be shared equally.
We act on the science of climate change and sustainability in our journey towards providing evidence for just energy futures.
Transparent in our approach
We work openly and honestly to build rigour, trust, accountability and integrity in our research.
We work with a wide range of people to maintain diversity and inclusion in our work.
Bold in our thoughts and actions
We are driven and ambitious in our views of the future and our intent to take the steps necessary to get there.
Open to different points of view
We display empathy, respect, care and kindness to all that we interact with for the duration of this work and beyond.
Impactful towards the future of energy demand
We strive to make a positive difference with our robust high-quality research.
Our brand
Our brand and website were designed by Altogether who considered our values, accessibility and energy consumption of the EDRC website and communications tools.
In the EDRC logo, the equal circles coming together represent the five main research themes, the equal circles suggest a focus on equal energy futures, while the gradient colour fading to the core suggests energy demand reduction.