Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford
Our research addresses the necessary transition to secure, low-environmental-impact and equitable energy systems. We research current patterns and potential futures of technologies, skills, activities, knowledge, markets, policy and governance. We specialise in energy use in buildings and transport systems and our focus is on energy demand and the integration of renewable energy.
RESEARCH THEMES
Our work is organised into themes, with some research projects listed under more than one theme.
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
The role of energy demand reduction in achieving net-zero in the UK
The study brings together 17 energy demand modelling experts from within CREDS to provide extensive detail on the possibilities to reduce energy demand in every sector. These sectoral reductions in energy demand are brought together into a whole-system modelling approach, to understand the potential contribution of energy demand reduction to support climate action in the UK.
- 2021
Latest publications
- Brand, C., Dekker, H.J. and Behrendt, F. (2022) Cycling, climate change and air pollution. In, Advances in Transport Policy and Planning. Elsevier.
- Dixon, J., Buksh, W., Bell, K. and Brand, C. (2022) The impact of plug-in frequency on the potential of vehicle to grid to support transport and electricity system decarbonisation. eTransportation. 100180.
- Banfield, J., Hampton, S. and Zurek, M. (2022) Towards a pedagogical policy turn in geography. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 46: 161-166.
- Hampton, S., Blundel, R., Wahga, A., Fawcett, T. and Shaw, C. (2022) Transforming small and medium-sized enterprises to address the climate emergency: The case for values-based engagement. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management.
- Brand, C., Anable, J. and Marsden, G. (2022) The role of energy demand reduction in achieving net-zero in the UK: Transport and mobility. Proceedings of the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy 2022 Summer Study, Hyeres, France, 6-11 June.
- Sulikova, S. and Brand, C. (2022) Do information-based measures affect active travel, and if so, for whom, when and under what circumstances? Evidence from a longitudinal case-control study. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 160: 219-234.
