Creating Smart Neighborhoods: Insights from Two Low-Carbon Communities in Sheffield and Leeds, United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a state-of-the-art ICT system to facilitate energy efficiency in two residential developments in Leeds and Sheffield (UK). Reflexive design practice understands end users as active agents in service design and the energy-efficiency agenda—underpinned by a new energy paradigm based on better information. The paper also demonstrates how ICTs can facilitate community-based energy governance, and what wider benefits a neighborhood approach can bring to both the social embedding of energy efficiency and future innovation. It also demonstrates how energy-efficiency technologies and data offer added value to inhabitants making purchase and rental decisions.

Keywords:

• energy efficiency
• ICTs
• smart
• neighborhood
• innovation

Acknowledgments

The work leading to the presented findings has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Program (FP7/2007-13) under grant agreement No 285627.

The case studies presented, service design review at the Greenhouse and concept design for Little Kelham, were supported by an Innovation voucher (Voucher Reference IV0113; Application ID 1636) from the UK Technology Strategy Board, a UK government-led initiative to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation.

The authors would like to thank the developer, CITU, for its support and involvement in the case studies, as well as the anonymous reviewers for their insightful comments.

Notes on Contributors

Jenni Viitanen is a member of the Centre of Urban Policy Studies and the Centre for Urban Resilience and Energy at the University of Manchester, and an expert advisor to the IREEN project, School of Environment, Education, and Development, The University of Manchester.

Paul Connell is a founding partner of Actuated Futures, Leeds, UK, and an expert advisor to the IREEN project.

Martine Tommis is principal digital development officer at Manchester City Council and IREEN project coordinator.

Notes

¹ The Green Deal is the UK government’s flagship policy to enable private households to pay for energy efficiency improvements by a loan that is paid back via their utility bills. See the Energy Saving Trust's website for more details about the Green Deal: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Take-action/Find-a-grant/Green-Deal-and-ECO. Accessed August 2, 2014.