Low Carbon Hub webinar catch up: People in smart local energy systems

We’ve started a series of webinars, discussing the future of energy and our work at the Low Carbon Hub to create an energy system which is good for people and for the planet, in Oxfordshire and beyond.

A lot of attention is paid to the technology in energy systems, especially the newer ‘smart’ technology. But energy systems rely on people as much as on technology; indeed, they only exist because people need energy services. In this webinar Dr Sarah Darby of Oxford University looks at what roles people play in energy systems, how Project LEO is bringing together people with technologies in new ways, and what we can learn from evaluations of smart energy trials.

Sarah Darby is acting leader of the Energy Programme and an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford Environmental Change Institute. She has a special interest in how energy systems change as a result of people interacting with technology and with each other. Her research has included evaluating the effectiveness of energy advice programmes and the British smart metering programme, analysing community energy projects and assessing the potential for ‘active demand’ in electricity systems. Sarah holds a BSc in Ecological Science from Edinburgh University, a Diploma in Planning from Oxford Polytechnic and a doctorate from Oxford University. She is leading Work Package WP6 of Project LEO, which aims to capture what we learn from the project, assist with engaging stakeholders, and share knowledge gained through LEO as widely as possible, from interested members of the public through to government.

If you couldn’t make it, we recorded the webinar and it’s now up on our YouTube channel – and you can view by clicking the play button below:

View upcoming webinars from the Low Carbon Hub and register to attend using the button below – or follow our Facebook page to keep up to date.

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