Researcher in Residence: A collaborative leap towards energy efficiency
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Yang Lu (York St John University) and Energy Systems Catapult’s Co-LEAD Researcher in Residence project emerges as a beacon of innovation, aiming to revolutionise energy consumption patterns and provide personalised, energy-saving recommendations. At its core, Co-LEAD is not just a project—it’s a transformative platform poised to optimise energy usage at the individual and household levels, playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s ambitious Net Zero strategy.
Unlike traditional approaches that disrupt customers’ daily routines, Co-LEAD takes a different path, turning energy efficiency into an achievable goal. By providing a user-friendly platform for effective energy usage and budget management, Co-LEAD ensures that resident comfort remains uncompromised. Embracing collaboration, it brings together a diverse range of stakeholders—including energy consumers, suppliers, government bodies, and local authorities—in a joint pursuit of sustainability and energy efficiency.
“At the heart of the Co-LEAD initiative, in collaboration with Energy Systems Catapult, is our commitment to redefine how energy is consumed and managed in the UK,” said Yang. “Our aim is not just about innovation; it’s about integration—integrating advanced AI technology within a network of smart homes to personalise and optimise energy use, without disrupting daily lives. Our goal is to transition Net Zero from a national policy to a personal mission for every household, making sustainable living both accessible and actionable. By fostering cooperation across a spectrum of stakeholders, from energy suppliers to local governments, Co-LEAD is setting a new standard for how we address energy efficiency and sustainability, underscoring our potential to lead globally in this crucial sector.”
In partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult, Co-LEAD will leverage a vast network of smart homes to test and refine its AI-driven platform. Beyond being a practical tool for managing energy consumption, Co-LEAD transforms Net Zero targets from distant governmental objectives into personalised missions for every UK household. This project promises to stimulate new business opportunities in the digital economy while fostering enhanced interactions between energy providers and consumers.
Jon Saltmarsh, Chief Technology Officer at Energy Systems Catapult added: “We’re delighted to be able to draw on our Living Lab network of over 4000 homes to support Yang Lu on this exciting Researcher in Residence project. People are at the heart of the energy transition, and we need to make it easy and desirable for them to decarbonise their homes if we are to accelerate the journey to Net Zero.”
In summary, Co-LEAD represents an innovative solution to reduce carbon emissions, manage energy costs, and boost energy-saving literacy. As a vital contribution to the UK’s sustainability journey, Co-LEAD holds the potential to set global standards, demonstrating how AI and user-centred design can effectively combat climate change and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
