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Abstract
This paper proposes the initial formulation of an activity-based model framework to model and quantify the effects of household practices on energy demand in the domestic sector. Indeed, this socio-technical research is seeking to understand the effects of two salient aspects of the interaction between energy consumption and household practices in a scenario of imposed retrofitted: 1) take back effect; and 2) demand-side management. A conceptual framework and a detailed case study of 200 social sector households in Newcastle upon Tyne are proposed to bring together both the theory and practice.
The paper reviews the UK low carbon agenda to provide an overview of the key policies for carbon reduction in the domestic sector involving retrofit insulation. It, then, briefly examines the take back effect and demand side management concepts to contextualise the emphasis of the proposed study. Further, it looks at practice theory for connecting socio-technical systems and reviews the urban energy modelling to simulate and quantify the interplay between technical and social systems (take back effect and demand side management). Furthermore, practices and modelling challenges at the local level are reviewed. Finally the case study is presented.
Notes
1 This paper will use the definition of retrofitting insulation by Jennings (Citation2013) who described retrofit as “ … referring to planned improvements to existing buildings by means of altering, replacing or removing an existing technology or technologies … ” (Jennings Citation2013: 59).
2 Mt = million tonnes of Carbon dioxide.
3 Low income customers or over 70 years of age.
4 The individual energy company target was not met, because two of them did not achieve it (Ofgem Citation2013b).
5 Measures are referred to insulation, Insulation obligation, lighting, heating, microgeneration & CHP, behavioural, demonstration actions and appliances (Ofgem Citation2013b: 10).
6 1 October 2009 to 31 December 2012.
7 External solid wall insulation (26%), heating controls with a new heating system (20%) and boiler replacements (15%)
8 “Citywide climate change strategy & action plan 2010–2020” (Newcastle City Council Citation2010).
9 According to Giddens (1988) “In the past it was usually seen as a dualism between individual and society, or the actor and the social system” (Giddens 1988: 75)
Additional information
Dr. Carlos Calderon is a Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape in the UK. He is a qualified civil engineer with a PhD in applied computing from Teesside University. His main interests are energy and carbon modelling in cities, smart materials and environments, and intelligent systems and digital design.
Macarena Rodriguez is a PhD student at Newcastle University in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. She is currently working on a collaborative project with the Newcastle City Council on the effects of household practices on heating consumption in social housing. Past studies include civil engineering as well as business and marketing.