Research suggests that procurement supply chain GHG emissions, when measured from a consumption-b... more Research suggests that procurement supply chain GHG emissions, when measured from a consumption-based perspective, are a significant component of an organization's carbon footprint [1]. In the UK public sector, various studies support this assertion, with such emissions estimated to account for 33% of the total carbon footprint in the schools of England [5], 37% in the higher education (HE) sector in England [6], approximately 50% in the UK central government [7] and 60% in the National Health Service organizations in England [8,9]. Within the specific case of the HE sector in England, the importance of these embedded emissions has been recognized and now all HE institutions (HEIs) have a legal duty to measure their Scope 3 emissions (including procurement) in accordance with the GHG Protocol [10] and set reduction targets. This is believed to be the first such requirement for institutions in a public sector anywhere in the world.
Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of ... more Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of energy consumption. Buildings owned and managed by the public sector make up more than 10 % of the EU building stock. In recent years there has been much interest in the use of feedback systems to encourage energy behaviour change but very little literature on the design of feedback systems in the non-domestic setting.
The EU “SMARTSPACES” project is developing ICT services using data generated from smart metering systems in public buildings at 11 pilot sites across Europe. The SMARTSPACES system being developed in the Leicester pilot site will provide users with a live, half-hourly comparison of energy (electricity and gas) performance across 20 public buildings.
A new indicator of energy performance is proposed. The indicator relates consumption for the current half-hour with the distribution of equivalent historical values. The indicator is robust and unambiguous, reflecting progress in energy saving activity, normalised to each building.
The context in which the indicator is presented is also described along with the wider project which is intended to support a change of organisational culture to an active, energy aware community of staff and visitors communicating with energy professionals in the context of ubiquitous building energy performance information.
Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of ... more Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of energy consumption. Buildings owned and managed by the public sector make up more than 10 % of the EU building stock. In recent years there has been much interest in the use of feedback systems to encourage energy behaviour change but very little literature on the design of feedback systems in the non-domestic setting.
Purpose – ICT offers a peculiar 21st Century conundrum as it both a cause and solution to rising ... more Purpose – ICT offers a peculiar 21st Century conundrum as it both a cause and solution to rising carbon emissions. The growth in the digital economy is fueling increased energy consumption whilst affording new opportunities for reducing the environmental impacts of our daily lives. This paper responds and builds on Fairweather’s overview of slow tech by providing examples of how ICT can be used to reduce energy. Encouraging examples are provided from the field of energy and buildings and implications for wider society are raised. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a comprehensive literature of latest developments in the field of digital economy, energy and sustainability. Findings – This paper builds on the previous overview ‘The Clean Side of Slow Tech’ and provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behaviour change and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented. Originality/value – This conceptual paper presents the latest research into the use of ICT in energy reduction and offers cautious, but encouraging signs that whilst the environmental impact of ICT must not be overlooked, there are benefits to be had from the digital economy. Keywords – Green ICT, Digital Economy, SMART buildings/cities,
The energy savings potential within non-domestic buildings from behaviour change initiatives is w... more The energy savings potential within non-domestic buildings from behaviour change initiatives is well known. Energy efficiency measures can contribute to local, national and EU policy commitments on carbon reduction. Yet, research also shows behaviour change is anything but simple. No-where is this more evident that in local government where municipalities are expected to lead on carbon reduction initiatives whilst operating in challenging political landscapes. This paper reflects on a UK Research Council funded case study exploring the role of engagement in a UK municipality. Innovative feedback tools and user-engagement were developed in an effort to foster a collaborative approach to energy management.
Findings from an analysis of a focus group and a set of semi-structured interviews show encouraging signs with regards to increased user-engagement and digital tools, but barriers remain with regards to the ‘real world’ implementation of innovative, and technologically grounded, approaches. These included a staff reduction programme amidst financial cuts, a risk-averse culture with regard to new technologies, and debate about where responsibilities lie with regards to energy management. While these findings were case specific they have implications for organisations contemplating how technology might support them in workplace engagement for reduced energy use.
Research suggests that procurement supply chain GHG emissions, when measured from a consumption-b... more Research suggests that procurement supply chain GHG emissions, when measured from a consumption-based perspective, are a significant component of an organization's carbon footprint [1]. In the UK public sector, various studies support this assertion, with such emissions estimated to account for 33% of the total carbon footprint in the schools of England [5], 37% in the higher education (HE) sector in England [6], approximately 50% in the UK central government [7] and 60% in the National Health Service organizations in England [8,9]. Within the specific case of the HE sector in England, the importance of these embedded emissions has been recognized and now all HE institutions (HEIs) have a legal duty to measure their Scope 3 emissions (including procurement) in accordance with the GHG Protocol [10] and set reduction targets. This is believed to be the first such requirement for institutions in a public sector anywhere in the world.
Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of ... more Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of energy consumption. Buildings owned and managed by the public sector make up more than 10 % of the EU building stock. In recent years there has been much interest in the use of feedback systems to encourage energy behaviour change but very little literature on the design of feedback systems in the non-domestic setting.
The EU “SMARTSPACES” project is developing ICT services using data generated from smart metering systems in public buildings at 11 pilot sites across Europe. The SMARTSPACES system being developed in the Leicester pilot site will provide users with a live, half-hourly comparison of energy (electricity and gas) performance across 20 public buildings.
A new indicator of energy performance is proposed. The indicator relates consumption for the current half-hour with the distribution of equivalent historical values. The indicator is robust and unambiguous, reflecting progress in energy saving activity, normalised to each building.
The context in which the indicator is presented is also described along with the wider project which is intended to support a change of organisational culture to an active, energy aware community of staff and visitors communicating with energy professionals in the context of ubiquitous building energy performance information.
Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of ... more Buildings represent a huge potential for energy savings, in the UK buildings account for 45 % of energy consumption. Buildings owned and managed by the public sector make up more than 10 % of the EU building stock. In recent years there has been much interest in the use of feedback systems to encourage energy behaviour change but very little literature on the design of feedback systems in the non-domestic setting.
Purpose – ICT offers a peculiar 21st Century conundrum as it both a cause and solution to rising ... more Purpose – ICT offers a peculiar 21st Century conundrum as it both a cause and solution to rising carbon emissions. The growth in the digital economy is fueling increased energy consumption whilst affording new opportunities for reducing the environmental impacts of our daily lives. This paper responds and builds on Fairweather’s overview of slow tech by providing examples of how ICT can be used to reduce energy. Encouraging examples are provided from the field of energy and buildings and implications for wider society are raised. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a comprehensive literature of latest developments in the field of digital economy, energy and sustainability. Findings – This paper builds on the previous overview ‘The Clean Side of Slow Tech’ and provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behaviour change and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented. Originality/value – This conceptual paper presents the latest research into the use of ICT in energy reduction and offers cautious, but encouraging signs that whilst the environmental impact of ICT must not be overlooked, there are benefits to be had from the digital economy. Keywords – Green ICT, Digital Economy, SMART buildings/cities,
The energy savings potential within non-domestic buildings from behaviour change initiatives is w... more The energy savings potential within non-domestic buildings from behaviour change initiatives is well known. Energy efficiency measures can contribute to local, national and EU policy commitments on carbon reduction. Yet, research also shows behaviour change is anything but simple. No-where is this more evident that in local government where municipalities are expected to lead on carbon reduction initiatives whilst operating in challenging political landscapes. This paper reflects on a UK Research Council funded case study exploring the role of engagement in a UK municipality. Innovative feedback tools and user-engagement were developed in an effort to foster a collaborative approach to energy management.
Findings from an analysis of a focus group and a set of semi-structured interviews show encouraging signs with regards to increased user-engagement and digital tools, but barriers remain with regards to the ‘real world’ implementation of innovative, and technologically grounded, approaches. These included a staff reduction programme amidst financial cuts, a risk-averse culture with regard to new technologies, and debate about where responsibilities lie with regards to energy management. While these findings were case specific they have implications for organisations contemplating how technology might support them in workplace engagement for reduced energy use.
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Papers by Richard Bull
The EU “SMARTSPACES” project is developing ICT services using data generated from smart metering systems in public buildings at 11 pilot sites across Europe. The SMARTSPACES system being developed in the Leicester pilot site will provide users with a live, half-hourly comparison of energy (electricity and gas) performance across 20 public buildings.
A new indicator of energy performance is proposed. The indicator relates consumption for the current half-hour with the distribution of equivalent historical values. The indicator is robust and unambiguous, reflecting progress in energy saving activity, normalised to each building.
The context in which the indicator is presented is also described along with the wider project which is intended to support a change of organisational culture to an active, energy aware community of staff and visitors communicating with energy professionals in the context of ubiquitous building energy performance information.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a comprehensive literature of latest developments in the field of digital economy, energy and sustainability.
Findings – This paper builds on the previous overview ‘The Clean Side of Slow Tech’ and provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behaviour change and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented.
Originality/value – This conceptual paper presents the latest research into the use of ICT in energy reduction and offers cautious, but encouraging signs that whilst the environmental impact of ICT must not be overlooked, there are benefits to be had from the digital economy.
Keywords – Green ICT, Digital Economy, SMART buildings/cities,
Findings from an analysis of a focus group and a set of semi-structured interviews show encouraging signs with regards to increased user-engagement and digital tools, but barriers remain with regards to the ‘real world’ implementation of innovative, and technologically grounded, approaches. These included a staff reduction programme amidst financial cuts, a risk-averse culture with regard to new technologies, and debate about where responsibilities lie with regards to energy management. While these findings were case specific they have implications for organisations contemplating how technology might support them in workplace engagement for reduced energy use.
The EU “SMARTSPACES” project is developing ICT services using data generated from smart metering systems in public buildings at 11 pilot sites across Europe. The SMARTSPACES system being developed in the Leicester pilot site will provide users with a live, half-hourly comparison of energy (electricity and gas) performance across 20 public buildings.
A new indicator of energy performance is proposed. The indicator relates consumption for the current half-hour with the distribution of equivalent historical values. The indicator is robust and unambiguous, reflecting progress in energy saving activity, normalised to each building.
The context in which the indicator is presented is also described along with the wider project which is intended to support a change of organisational culture to an active, energy aware community of staff and visitors communicating with energy professionals in the context of ubiquitous building energy performance information.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a comprehensive literature of latest developments in the field of digital economy, energy and sustainability.
Findings – This paper builds on the previous overview ‘The Clean Side of Slow Tech’ and provides clear and encouraging signs of how ICT can be used to contribute to sustainability through controlling systems more efficiently, facilitating behaviour change and reducing energy consumption. Future challenges and recommendations for future research are presented.
Originality/value – This conceptual paper presents the latest research into the use of ICT in energy reduction and offers cautious, but encouraging signs that whilst the environmental impact of ICT must not be overlooked, there are benefits to be had from the digital economy.
Keywords – Green ICT, Digital Economy, SMART buildings/cities,
Findings from an analysis of a focus group and a set of semi-structured interviews show encouraging signs with regards to increased user-engagement and digital tools, but barriers remain with regards to the ‘real world’ implementation of innovative, and technologically grounded, approaches. These included a staff reduction programme amidst financial cuts, a risk-averse culture with regard to new technologies, and debate about where responsibilities lie with regards to energy management. While these findings were case specific they have implications for organisations contemplating how technology might support them in workplace engagement for reduced energy use.