Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford
Conversion and use of energy are associated with many environmental problems, notably the ‘wicked problem’ of climate change. The ECI’s energy research programme focusses on the issues raised by our need for transition to secure, low-environmental-impact and equitable energy systems. This will involve changes in technology, skills, activities, knowledge, markets, policy and governance.
RESEARCH THEMES
Our work is organised into themes each led by a senior researcher, and with extensive collaboration across the programme.
Energy Systems and Governance
Focuses on major changes to whole energy systems, including the way they are organized and how decisions are made. Led by Nick Eyre.
Projects +Energy Demand Policy
Focuses on existing and potential policies to reduce energy demand, including work on equity and fuel poverty issues. Led by Tina Fawcett.
Projects +Energy Monitoring and Analytics
Focuses on developments in energy and environmental monitoring.
Projects +Flexibility
Focuses on ways to balance supply and demand, including storage, demand response, networks and generation.
Projects +Smart systems and everyday life
Focuses on human dimensions of energy systems, including human-technology interfaces, the relationship between everyday practices and energy use, decision-making, social learning and the role of ICT. Led by Sarah Darby.
Projects +Builders and Buildings
Focuses on the practices and processes of innovation in the construction industry, and its potential role in delivering and maintaining low-energy buildings. Led by Gavin Killip.
Projects +Energy, Organisations and Society
Focuses on the dual role of organisations as energy consumers and as providers of energy-consuming goods and services.
Projects +Transport and Mobility
Focuses on reduced energy consumption, behavioural change and socio-technical transitions towards low-carbon, clean and energy efficient transport systems. Led by Christian Brand across ECI/TSU.
Projects +Energy news
Research outputs
Pathways to a zero carbon Oxfordshire
Tackling climate change has become an urgent priority for governments, businesses and citizens around the world. In 2019, the UK Parliament passed legislation committing to a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In response, local authorities around the country have been scaling up their ambitions to tackle climate change. In Oxfordshire, all local authorities have acknowledged and responded to the climate emergency, and are developing plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner.
- 2021
Strategic review of UK energy efficiency programmes finds savings of upto 10%
A new study co-authored by Dr Nick Eyre sheds light on what works, where the gaps are, and future priorities for researchers and policy makers.
- Jun 2015
Latest publications
- Bobrova, Y., Papachristos, G. and Cooper, A. (forthcoming, 2022) Process perspective on homeowner energy retrofits: A qualitative metasynthesis. Energy Policy, 160. 112669.
- Brand, C., Anable, J. and Marsden, G. (2021) The role of energy demand reduction in achieving net-zero in the UK: Transport and mobility. Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions, Oxford, UK.
- Barrett, J., Pye, S., Betts-Davies, S., Eyre, N., Broad, O., Price, J., Norman, J., Anable, J., Bennett, G., Brand, C., Carr-Whitworth, R., Marsden, G., Oreszczyn, T., Giesekam, J., Garvey, A., Ruyssevelt, P. and Scott, K. (2021) The role of energy demand reduction in achieving net-zero in the UK. Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions, Oxford, UK. ISBN: 978-1-913299-11-8.
- Yang, A., McCoy, E., Boig, E.A., Palencia, I.A., Brand, C., Dons, G.C.T.E., Gerike, R., Goetschi, T., Nieuwenhuijsen, M., Orjuela, J.P., Panis, L.I., Standaert, A. and de Nazelle, A. (2021) Stress in different travel modes: an observational study of Galvanic Skin Response measurements (GSR). ISEE Conference Abstracts, Environmental Health Perspectives.
- Dixon, J., Bukhsh, W., Bell, K. and Brand, C. (2021) Plug and play: the impact of plug-in frequency on the potential of vehicle to grid to support transport and electricity system decarbonisation. British Institute of Energy Economics Conference, September, Oxford, UK.
- Sulikova, S.and Brand, C. (2021) Investigating what makes people walk or cycle using a socio-ecological approach in seven European cities. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 83: 351-381.
