DEI is a world leader on interdisciplinary research across the sciences, social sciences, humanities and engineering and was one of the first truly interdisciplinary energy research institutes in the UK. The DEI Energy Day 2024 celebrates 15 years of Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë Energy Institute bringing people together to think differently about energy. Find out about the cutting edge of energy research here at Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë and join us to think about how we should get to Net Zero. Come along to take part in the discussion
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At Home with Energy
The DEI Energy Day 2024 celebrates 15 years of Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë Energy Institute bringing people together to think differently about energy. Find out about the cutting edge of energy research here at Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë and join us to think about how we should get to Net Zero. Come along to take part in the discussion and inform the debate.
Energy Day 2024 will focus on energy and our daily lives. This year's theme, "At Home With Energy," shines a spotlight on the pivotal role of housing and communities in the ongoing energy transition. Domestic heating and cooking is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, but the wide range of households and housing makes changing our heating and cooking practices complicated. As we strive to build a more sustainable future, what kinds of changes should we expect to live with in our homes? And how will we organise the retrofitting of homes for a low-energy future?
This event brings together leading experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will examine emerging technologies, innovations and practices that can empower households, reduce carbon footprints, and pave the way for a more equitable and resilient energy landscape.
for this free public event is essential for catering purposes.
PROGRAMME
9.20-09.50 |
Refreshments & Registration |
09.50-10.00
|
Welcome & Opening Remarks Professor Simone Abram, DEI Executive Director |
10.00-11.00 |
Panel 1 – Homefront Heroes: Battling Carbon This session delves into the complex challenge of reducing carbon emissions within our homes. As domestic energy use accounts for a significant portion of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, transforming how we heat, cook, and power our households is crucial to meeting climate goals. Our panel of experts will explore: · The current landscape of domestic energy consumption and its environmental impact · Innovative technologies and practices for home energy efficiency · The socio-economic factors influencing adoption of low-carbon solutions · Policy frameworks and incentives to support widespread domestic decarbonisation · The role of community initiatives in driving change · Balancing comfort, affordability, and sustainability in home energy transitions Chair: Professor Simone Abram Panellists: Ms Michelle Dawson, 13 Group - How housing associations can innovate for domestic energy improvements Ms Kate Gilmartin, British Hydropower Association/ Rossendale Valley Energy – The Net Zero Terrace Street programme – whole system, one touch approach to decarbonising heat/ undertaking retrofit and delivering a smart system. Cllr Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader at NCC - Facing domestic energy challenges in the North East Ms Jennifer Dickie, Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods - The role and importance of interdisciplinary research approaches for achieving sustainability in home energy transition |
11.00-11.30 |
Refreshment Break |
11.30-12.45 |
Panel 2 – Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë's Homegrown Solutions: Fuelling Fair and Green Futures This panel showcases innovative approaches to energy challenges developed right here at Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë University. This diverse panel brings together experts from Engineering, Law, Anthropology and Computer Science and Anthropology, to explore multidisciplinary solutions for a sustainable energy future. Panellists will discuss how their research and initiatives contribute to creating equitable and environmentally friendly energy systems, with a focus on practical applications for homes and communities. Join us to discover how Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë's expertise is shaping the path towards a fairer, greener energy landscape. Chair: Dr Andrew Crossland, Future Zero Consulting, DEI Advisory Board & Professor in Practice Panellists: Dr Nima Gerami-Seresht, DEI Fellow & Department of Engineering – Occupants’ impact on the sustainability and resilience of the built environment Dr Kim Bouwer, DEI Co-Director & Department of Law – Challenging Poor Energy Performance in new Homes, a Research Agenda Dr Mayanka Mukherji, Department of Anthropology - Warm Bodies, Cold Homes - An Ethnography of Domestic Heating Practices in London Dr Connor Watt, Department of Geography - Invoking Industrial Pasts in New Green Economies |
12.45-14.30 |
Networking Lunch break & Trade Fair |
14.30-15.30 |
Panel 3 – Energising the Future: Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë's Strategic Projects Join us for an exciting exploration of Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë University's strategic energy and sustainability initiatives. This panel will showcase the major strategic projects that are shaping the future of energy research and sustainable practices at our institution. In this session, you'll hear brief introductions to several key projects that demonstrate Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë's commitment to addressing global energy challenges and promoting sustainability. Chair: Professor Joanna Berry, DEI Co-Director & Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë University Business School Panellists: Dr Ciara Keating, Department of Engineering - Smart Soils (Soil and Microbiome Augmentation and Restoration Technologies) Dr Simona Capisani, Department of Philosophy - Heritage 360 Dr Nelly Bencomo, Department of Computing Sciences - JusTNOW |
15.30-16.30 |
Session 4 – Knowledge Carousel: New Generation Researchers at Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë & Established Researchers & Refreshments Discover the cutting-edge research shaping the future of energy at Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë University. This dynamic panel showcases the innovative work of our early career research fellows at the Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë Energy Institute (DEI) as well as the work of some of our more established academics. In a fast-paced, carousel-style format, these bright minds will present their groundbreaking projects, offering fresh perspectives on pressing energy challenges. Join us for an inspiring glimpse into the future of energy research and its potential impact on creating more sustainable, efficient, and equitable home environments.’ Chair: Dr Stuart Jones Tables: 1- Ms Ekanem Bassey, Department of Law - Energy Transition and Legitimate Expectations 2 – Ms Kalila Mackenzie, Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë University Business School - Minewater geothermal 3 – Ms Isha Saxena, Department of Engineering - Offshore wind energy 4 – Professor Jon Gluyas, Department of Earth Sciences – Natural Hydrogen & Helium 5 – Mr Shunmin Zhu, Department of Engineering - Hybrid cogeneration systems for single-family homes 6 – Mr Connor Watt, Department of Geography - Invoking Industrial Pasts in New Green Economies 7 – Dr Ben Campbell, Department of Anthropology - Energy Commons as people's participation in energy transitions |
16.30-17.10 |
Keynote speech – Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Officer, introduced by Professor Phil Dyer, DEI Fellow & Department of Chemistry “Everything, everywhere, all at once: The science challenges for Net Zero” Professor Paul Monks is the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). As CSA, he delivers independent and impartial scientific advice to Ministers and policy makers across the DESNZ portfolio.  Paul also works closely with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, other Departmental CSAs, and the department’s Chief Economist, to strengthen the links within and across departments, encouraging effective engagement and knowledge sharing, and to support delivery of a robust evidence base to underpin DESNZ policy decisions. Prior to joining the department, Paul was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science.   |
17.10-17.15 |
Closing remarks Mary Foy MP, City of Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë |
17.15-18.00 |
Networking drinks reception |