Energy Demand Reduction - An Energy Data Centre Introductory Guide
In this topic the guide covers Government Direction, A Solution Framework and Research and Innovation. Below the document there is a selection of dynamically generated content from the EDC and other sources showing current and recently finished research activities.
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Abstract
This guide introduces the concept of energy demand reduction within the UK's energy system, highlighting its central role in addressing climate change, energy security, and affordability. It explains how demand-side solutions - often overlooked in favour of supply-side interventions - could contribute up to half of the UK's required greenhouse gas reductions by 2050. The document outlines government approaches at national, devolved, and local levels, focusing on strategies to improve efficiency in heating, transport, industry, and food systems. A three-part framework - Avoid, Shift, Improve - structures the discussion of solutions across sectors, from compact cities and electric vehicles to heat pumps and circular manufacturing models. The guide also reviews the UK's publicly funded research and innovation landscape, exploring the roles of behavioural change, digitalisation, and social engagement. Special emphasis is placed on the need for coordinated action among governments, businesses, and communities to embed demand reduction within policy and practice, thus supporting a fair and flexible transition to net zero.At a glance
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battery technologypower consumptioncarbon neutralcarbon efficiencysustainabilitymobilityautonomous systemsenvironmental awarenessenvironmental engineeringresources engineering and extractive metallurgy
References
- Centre for Research into Energy Demands, CREDS research findings, CREDS, 2022.
- Department for Business, Industry and Industrial Strategy, Heat and Buildings Strategy, 2021.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, 2021.
- Energy Demand Research Centre, Energy Demand Research Centre, EDRC, 2023.
- Energy Demand Research Centre, Energy Demand Research Centre. Retrieved from EDRC Research Page - Flexibility, EDRC, 2024.
- National Grid Electricity System Operator (NESO), Future Energy Scenarios: ESO Pathways to Net Zero, NESO, 2024.
- Scottish Government, Retrieved from Climate Change, Scottish Government, 2020.
- Scottish Government, Heat in Buildings Strategy - achieving net zero emissions in Scotland's buildings, Scottish Government, 2021.
- Welsh Government, Net Zero Strategic Plan, Welsh Government, 2022.
