This research is focused on case studies of a medium sized city and its functionally associated rural area in each of the consortium members’ countries. 

1. Scotland: Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
2. The Netherlands: Assen and Assen Municipality
3. Germany: Potsdam and Potsdam-Mittelmark
4. Hungary: Debrecen and Hajdú-Bihar County
5. The Czech Republic: C(eské Bude(jovice and Bude(joviceshire

Project Activities

This research will be undertaken by a multidisciplinary team: from sociologogists, psychologists, geographers and agent-based modellers working together to:

• Establish stakeholder advisory groups in each case study region
• Evaluate structural incentives for energy consumption in each case study region
• Develop lifestyle profiles of each case study region
• Assess in detail an energy initiative in each case study region. 
• Develop an agent based modelling framework, the Community Energy Demand Social Simulator
• Develop policy recommendations for reducing energy consumption at local, national and EU levels.

The focus of the project is on household consumption as a means of understanding energy use patterns. In Europe, about 35% of all primary energy use and 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from private households. While technological innovations can reduce the energy requirement for specific activities, and make low-carbon energy sources economically and environmentally viable, their impact in reducing carbon-intensive energy use will depend critically on the lifestyle choices of local households. Otherwise, increases in energy efficiency may simply raise demand for energy-intensive products and services (e.g. cheaper home heating may lead to a rise in household temperature or more money spent on air travel). To permanently reduce energy consumption, low energy consumption must become a way of life.

Why is it important to do this research?

The EU has set itself the goal of being the world leader in the development of a sustainable, competitive and secure supply of renewable energy for its citizens. Scotland has set itself a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Both are aiming to develop a ‘post-carbon’ society, where greenhouse gas emissions are dramatically reduced. However, thus far technology has received far more research attention than socio-economic, cultural and political factors, and energy supply far more than energy demand in relation to this goal

There is very little recent research on factors influencing household energy use.  Most studies date back to the 1970s and 1980s, when energy conservation was promoted to avoid depletion of energy sources, while at present, concerns with CO2 emissions and global warming are more important.  Also, culture, technology and government policies have changed considerably in the past few decades.  It is important to take such issues into account when developing and implementing policies aimed to reduce carbon energy use.

There is very little research on household level energy consumption and lifestyle choices.  Most studies ask individuals about heir energy use and values, and then average or group these to represent the whole population.  The problem with this is that people usually make decisions as part of a household or family group, and in reference to their peers (friends, family, coworkers etc).  It is more difficult, but also more important, to look at decision-making and energy consumption at household and group levels, in order to identify policies which are likely to be successful.

Different countries in the EU have different cultures, laws, service infrastructures (e.g. options for heating, transportation, food) and climates.  It is therefore important to do research in several different places, to identify which policies might work best overall, and which are more suited to particular regions or countries.  There also may be important differences between countries in Eastern and Western Europe.  This research is being undertaken in Western Europe (the UK and the Netherlands), Eastern Europe (the Czech Republic and Hungary) and in Germany, which has aspects of both.

 What will happen with the results of this research?

GILDED researchers work closely with policymakers throughout the research process. 

• Local policy makers in each regional case study will be involved in an advisory group, which will guide the research process. 
• Information about local energy initiatives and research findings will be placed on the GILDED web-site (www.gildedeu.org). 
• A series of information notes on GILDED findings will be circulated to advisory group members, policy makers, and placed on the GILDED web-site
• A workshop for policymakers and other stakeholders will be help in each case study region, as well as a joint international workshop, will be held at the end of the project, to present and discuss GILDED findings
• GILDED findings will also be presented at academic conferences and in journal articles.