Transformational innovation in home energy

How developers imagine and engage with future residents of low carbon homes in the United Kingdom

Bibliographic Data

ID13068089
AuthorsFiona Shirani (0000-0002-6963-4971, Cardiff University, corresponding author), Kate O’sullivan (0000-0002-2524-2642, Cardiff University), Rachel Hale (0000-0001-5149-925X, Cardiff University), Nick Pidgeon (Cardiff University), K Henwood (0000-0002-4631-5468, Cardiff University)
Year2022
Volume91
Pages102743-102743
Publication date2022-07-15
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEnergy Research & Social Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2214-6296 • E-ISSN: 2214-6326
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.erss.2022.102743
OpenAlexW4285585631
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited48

Decarbonisation and climate change targets require multiscale sociotechnical energy transitions that include significant changes to housing stock. In the UK, the development of Active Buildings, which directly seek to be efficient energy producers, have zero carbon emissions and provide grid flexibility, has the potential to make a significant contribution to meeting these targets. Active Homes as a particular type of Active Building represent a potentially transformational innovation by altering how energy is produced, distributed and consumed, in addition to how homes are designed, constructed and then lived in. In this paper we draw on insights from qualitative interviews with stakeholders involved in the development of different Active Homes to consider motivations for development, and their views on how residents will reside in and interact with the homes. We highlight a potential conflict between a desire to prioritise the needs of residents with a belief amongst some that to do so, user engagement with technology should be minimised. This has implications for design decisions, which in turn influence how residents experience and live within the homes. In illuminating these narratives, we indicate the necessity of ongoing engagement with residents to understand how Active Homes – with particular emphasis on the operation and control of technologies – are experienced, in order to inform the successful rollout of current and future developments

Business · Flexibility (engineering · Knowledge management · Management · Political science · Public relations · Sociology · Sociotechnical system · Transformational leadership · Transformative learning · Computer Science · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Smart Grid Energy Management · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

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